Thames Valley leaders to pursue devolution deal

Leaders from across the Thames Valley are progressing plans to pursue a mayoral strategic authority (MSA) for the region, a new combined authority made up of a number of council areas, which would be led by a directly elected mayor.

Through an expression of interest letter to government, leaders will set out a shared ambition to secure new powers and funding. This would enable local councils to plan and deliver more integrated and effective transport, infrastructure, the right type of housing – with an emphasis on social housing – creating the conditions for faster, more inclusive growth across the region. The MSA will make decisions locally and closer to the communities and businesses affected, with local councils continuing to deliver critical and wider public services for the benefit of all residents.

Councils will debate the expression of interest in their meetings during November and December. If agreed, this will be submitted to government at the end of the year.

If agreed by government, devolution has the potential to unlock up to £18.7 billion for the Thames Valley economy by 2040, generating £7 billion in additional annual tax revenue*, and create new opportunities for residents and businesses.

It will also support coordinated investment of housing, roads and public transport, expand skills and training, and ensure research and innovation translate into jobs and growth across every part of the region.

Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “This is a game-changing opportunity for Swindon and one we need to grasp with both hands.

“Our dynamic economy makes us an ideal partner for the Thames Valley Mayoral Strategic Authority, creating one of the UK’s leading powerhouses and strengthening the region’s outstanding reputation for world-class research and advanced manufacturing, underpinned by a highly-skilled workforce.

“By linking our own strengths with those of Oxfordshire and Berkshire we will create deeper labour markets, stronger supply chains, and faster innovation with independent analysis suggesting that together we can boost our economic output by an extra £18.7bn annually by 2040.

“This will allow us to plan strategically for decades to come and ensure we continue to deliver the jobs, infrastructure, housing and investment to continue Swindon’s success story.”

Councillor Gary Sumner, Leader of the Conservative Group, said: “The Government has made it clear that it wants to see more Mayoral Strategic Authorities and we need to make the best decision for the future of our town.

“The economic argument for joining the Thames Valley Mayoral Strategic Authority is compelling. We know, having talked to our local business community, that building on our links with our partners along the M4 corridor would boost their supply chains and create significant opportunities for growth.

“This new strategic authority provides a chance to build on our current strengths and become even stronger.”

Liberal Democrats Councillor, Adam Poole, said: “An alliance with our fellow authorities in the Thames Valley region gives us a chance to really push on as a town and secure economic growth well into the future.

“We cannot afford to be left behind and this partnership will benefit both our local businesses and residents, increasing Swindon’s prosperity.”

The Thames Valley MSA will be designed to speed up delivery, attract investment and strengthen one of the UK’s most productive and innovative regional economies. The ambition is for a strategic growth partner for neighbouring authorities where joint working will be beneficial, for example related to the Oxford - Cambridge corridor.

Discussions on a Thames Valley MSA have included local authorities in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Swindon – no decisions have been made.

Following council decisions on the submission of the expression of interest, and subject to ongoing discussions with government, detailed proposals will then be developed in the coming months for consideration by local councils and partners.

For further information visit reading.gov.uk/devolution.