Thames Valley councils agree devolution deal ahead of deadline

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 16:31 · Archive

Thames Valley council leaders have agreed a devolution plan that could bring billions of pounds of investment to the region.

Thames Valley council leaders have submitted a joint letter supporting a devolution plan as a government funding deadline expires. The proposal, developed over nearly two years, would create a Thames Valley Mayoral Strategic Authority covering Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Swindon. Council leaders say it could bring billions of pounds of investment to the region.

Oxford City Council leader Susan Brown said she was 'really pleased' that councils had finally submitted their support, describing the plan as 'enormously beneficial' for the region and enabling the 'inward investment that is needed'. She noted 'it's been a long time coming'.

The agreement came after months of uncertainty. This summer, Liberal Democrat leaders of Oxfordshire County Council and Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead had withdrawn support, wanting Swindon excluded and an immediately directly elected mayor. Under the previous government, the Thames Valley was told it would not qualify for an authority with an immediate directly elected mayor. Following the change of government, council leaders are now hoping a mayoral authority is back on the table.

Central government must now decide whether to approve and fund the devolved authority.

How it is being reported

• Thames Valley devolution plan 'worth billions' agreed as government deadline expiresOxfordshire will not continue to block a devolution deal as a government funding deadline expires.Bracknell News · 26 Oct, 16:00
• Thames Valley devolution plan 'worth billions' agreed as government deadline expiresOxfordshire will not continue to block a devolution deal as a government funding deadline expires.Reading Chronicle · 26 Oct, 16:00

In this story: Thames Valley · Oxfordshire · Berkshire · Swindon · Susan Brown · Oxford City Council · Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

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