Government announces plans to progress with a mayoral strategic authority for the Thames Valley

Ambitions from council leaders across the Thames Valley to unlock economic, infrastructure and investment opportunities for the region are closer to being realised following the government’s announcement today 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 seven others across the country including Surrey, Hertfordshire and Wessex, will progress with plans for an MSA.

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 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 a detailed proposal in advance of a consultation planned for the new year.

Councillor Tim Bearder, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “I want Oxfordshire to have the powers, funding and influence to make a real difference to people’s lives. Devolution offers an important opportunity to achieve that, and we will now properly explore what it could deliver.

“But I have serious, unanswered questions about whether the proposed geography is right and whether the benefits will justify the costs and disruption involved.

“I remain particularly concerned about Buckinghamshire's absence, given our longstanding economic and public service relationships across the Thames Valley. The government has also indicated that public service boundaries should align with the new strategic authority. The implications for policing, the NHS and fire and rescue services could be significant, yet we do not have sufficient clarity about the practical consequences.

“These concerns are compounded by the government’s plans for local government reorganisation in Oxfordshire. We are being asked to undertake major structural changes to our councils at the same time as establishing a new strategic authority, against the backdrop of a financial settlement that presents serious challenges for Oxfordshire. We must be confident that these changes will improve services and deliver value for money, rather than create additional complexity, costs and pressure on already stretched public services.

“We will engage constructively in the next stage, but we will also challenge proposals that do not serve our residents’ interests. We need meaningful dialogue with our partners, including the NHS, police and fire and rescue services, alongside proper consultation with residents.

“The test is simple: the final arrangements must deliver tangible benefits for Oxfordshire, be financially sustainable and strengthen rather than undermine the public services on which our residents depend. Devolution is an opportunity worth pursuing, but the ultimate deal must be one worth having.”

A Thames Valley strategic authority 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.

In December, a proposal will be shared with councils across the region who will be asked to approve going ahead with a consultation. Subject to this approval and the consultation response, a 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.

For further information visit reading.gov.uk/devolution