Councillors to discuss devolution plans to supercharge Swindon’s economy

Leaders and Chief Executives from across the Thames Valley have spent months working together to draw up 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.

The proposal outlines how greater devolved powers could help deliver inclusive economic growth, improved connectivity, enhanced skills provision and a stronger regional voice.

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.

The Thames Valley economy, spanning Swindon, Oxfordshire and Berkshire, is one of the most productive and innovation-driven regions in the UK, powered by world-class research, advanced manufacturing, and a highly skilled workforce.

Local leaders believe a Mayoral Strategic Authority could strengthen this position, helping to coordinate investment, unlock infrastructure improvements, meet housing needs, support skills development and scale up the region’s global innovation sectors.

The Government’s evolving devolution framework means major funding streams for transport, skills, infrastructure and economic development are increasingly channelled through devolved areas. Engaging early in the next wave of the national programme would help ensure Swindon has a voice in shaping the region’s growth and remains well positioned to compete for future investment.

All Swindon councillors will debate the proposal at tomorrow's (27 Nov) Full Council meeting before it is discussed at next Monday’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting the following Monday (1 Dec).

The Council’s Cabinet will then make a decision on whether to approve the submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Government in December at its meeting next Wednesday (3 Dec).

The EOI would signal Swindon’s readiness to begin formal discussions with the Government on a Thames Valley MSA. Submitting an EOI does not commit Swindon to joining an MSA, as it begins a process of structured discussions with the Government and supports wider engagement with residents, businesses and partners before any final decision is made.

Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “This is about securing Swindon’s future prosperity and ensuring we have a strong voice in shaping the region’s growth.

“Swindon has a proud industrial heritage and a dynamic, forward-looking economy from advanced manufacturing to cutting-edge firms like STARK, which opened its new drone facility last week.

“The reality is that major transport, housing and innovation funding is increasingly directed to devolved regions, and we cannot afford to be left behind.

“Joining with our partners across the Thames Valley makes economic sense. The region is one of the UK’s powerhouses, combining world-class research and high-value industries. By linking Swindon’s strengths with those of Oxfordshire and Berkshire, we can create deeper labour markets, stronger supply chains and faster innovation. It will also help us continue to grow and compete on a national and global stage.

“This is not about giving away local control. Swindon will remain responsible for the services residents rely on every day, while an MSA would focus on shared strategic challenges such as transport links, skills development and major infrastructure.

“Submitting an Expression of Interest simply opens the door to discussions with the Government and, ultimately, consultation with the public. It ensures we are part of the conversation, not watching from the sidelines.”

If approved, the EOI would be submitted to the Government by 19 December 2025, followed by ongoing engagement, evidence-gathering and consultation.