Thames Valley leaders progress devolution deal

Leaders from across the Thames Valley are progressing plans to pursue a mayoral strategic authority (MSA) for the region.

This would be a new combined authority made up of a number of council areas, which would be led by a directly elected mayor. 

Through an expression of interest letter to the Government, leaders will set out a shared ambition to secure new powers and funding.

This would enable local councils to plan and deliver more integrated and effective transport, infrastructure, and the right type of housing – with an emphasis on social housing.

This would, in turn, create the conditions for faster, more inclusive growth across the region. 

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.

Huge economic boost if proposal agreed

Councils will debate the expression of interest in their meetings during November and December. If agreed, this will be submitted to the Government at the end of the year. 

If agreed by Government, this devolution process could unlock up to £18.7 billion for the Thames Valley economy by 2040, generating £7 billion in additional annual tax revenue, and create new opportunities for residents and businesses*. 

It will also support coordinated investment of housing, roads and public transport, expand skills and training, and ensure that research and innovation translate into jobs and growth across every part of the region.

Councillor Stephen Conway, leader of Wokingham Borough Council, said: "A Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA) would allow for more local decision making, with regional-level ownership of key areas such as planning, transport and economic development. 

"We are strong believers in the benefit of partnership work, and this is a chance to bring local councils, businesses and other stakeholders together to tackle strategic issues that require joined-up thinking. It would also give us access to funding opportunities open only to MSAs."

Harnessing benefits of working together

The Thames Valley MSA will be designed to speed up delivery, attract investment and strengthen one of the UK’s most productive and innovative regional economies. 

The ambition is for a strategic growth partner for neighbouring authorities where joint working will be beneficial, for example related to the Oxford to Cambridge corridor. 

Discussions on a Thames Valley MSA have included local authorities in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Swindon, though no decisions have been made. 

Following council decisions on the submission of the expression of interest, and subject to ongoing discussions with government, detailed proposals will then be developed in the coming months for consideration by local councils and partners.

*Figures taken from the expression of interest document and based on the ratio of GDP to national taxation (UK taxation as 37 per cent of GDP) established by Institute for Fiscal Studies research.