Ambitions from council leaders across the Thames Valley to unlock economic, infrastructure and investment opportunities for the region are closer to being realised.
This follows the government’s announcement today (28 October) that the area has been placed on its programme for the creation of a new mayoral strategic authority (MSA).
John Healey, MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, announced in his Autumn Budget Statement that the Thames Valley region, alongside nine others across the country including Surrey, Hertfordshire and Wessex, will progress with plans for a mayoral strategic authority.
The announcement also came with a proposed allocation of £9.1 million of funding from the government’s “Good Growth Funds” for investment in growth priorities as the MSA is developed.
Leaders across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Swindon wrote to Jim McMahon, OBE, MP, Minister for Local Government, Devolution and Regional Growth, earlier this week confirming their aspiration for an MSA for the region.
Following today’s announcement, the 13 councils within the region will now develop the proposal in advance of a stakeholder consultation planned for the New Year.
A Thames Valley MSA will give local leaders more funding and control over areas like transport, skills and employment support, inward investment and affordable housing to deliver better on things that matter to residents across the region.
Subject to approval of the proposal for consultation by councils across the region in December and consideration of the consultation response, the formal proposal would then be submitted to government in spring next year.
A new MSA in shadow form would then be established later in 2027 following the statutory decision-making process. This would then be followed by mayoral elections in 2028.
A new MSA would be led by an elected mayor and Board comprised of representatives from all upper tier authorities. The MSA would bring new powers and funding opportunities to the region.
Local councils would continue to be responsible for delivering day to day services such as waste collections, social care, housing, schools, leisure and local planning.
Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council, said: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring investment into the growing economies of Oxford, Oxfordshire and the wider Thames Valley to support much needed infrastructure and housing and ensure that economic growth is well managed and works for everybody.
“We have been in discussions with the government about creating a mayoral strategic authority for the region for two years, and I am delighted that we have reached this important milestone.
“The new authority would unlock an investment fund potentially worth hundreds of millions of pounds for the Thames Valley, alongside new powers and funding to help deliver the jobs, homes and the infrastructure we need.
“This could be transformative for our economy, creating new opportunities for small businesses and good, secure jobs that give people greater financial security.
“I look forward to working with our partners across the Thames Valley to turn these new powers and investment into real benefits for people in Oxford and Oxfordshire.”
For further information, visit reading.gov.uk/devolution.
