Bucks leader rejects claims county risks missing devolution deal

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 28 Oct, 12:58 · Archive

Buckinghamshire's council leader has rejected accusations the county is being left behind as neighbouring authorities pursue a Thames Valley devolution deal.

Buckinghamshire's council leader Steven Broadbent has rejected accusations the county is being left behind as neighbouring authorities pursue a Thames Valley devolution deal.

The county's Liberal Democrats have warned Bucks risks missing out on investment and influence if a proposed Thames Valley Mayoral Strategic Authority goes ahead without it. Leaders across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Swindon submitted a letter supporting a mayoral authority on 26 October. The proposal still requires government approval and funding. The mayoral authority would bring councils together under an elected mayor with expected responsibilities in transport, skills and economic development.

Cllr Susan Morgan, leader of the Buckinghamshire Liberal Democrat Group, accused the Conservative administration of failing to explain its devolution strategy. She said the neighbouring counties 'would get new powers, new funding and a stronger voice. Buckinghamshire would be left behind.' Morgan called for clarity over the council's alternative plans and the funding and influence Buckinghamshire might miss out on.

Broadbent rejected the suggestions, saying they were 'simply wrong'. The council's press office said no government announcement had yet been made about how the devolution process would proceed.

How it is being reported

• Council leader says Bucks is not being "left behind" over devolutionThe leader of Buckinghamshire Council has rejected accusations that the county is being left behind as neighbouring authorities pursue a devolution deal.Bucks Herald · 28 Oct, 09:28
• Bucks leader hits back over warning county risks missing out on investment and powersBucks leader Steven Broadbent rejects Lib Dem claims the county risks losing investment as neighbours pursue a Thames Valley devolution deal.Bucks Free Press · 27 Oct, 20:00

In this story: Buckinghamshire · Thames Valley · Steven Broadbent · Susan Morgan · Oxfordshire · Berkshire · Swindon

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log