New opportunities for Wokingham Borough as Thames Valley plans progress

Plans to bring more investment, funding and opportunities to Wokingham Borough and the wider Thames Valley have taken a step forward following an announcement by the government today (28 October).

The Thames Valley has been included in the government's programme to create new mayoral strategic authorities (MSAs), giving local leaders more say over decisions and investment in their areas.

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey MP announced in his Autumn Budget Statement that the Thames Valley, alongside nine other areas across the country including Surrey, Hertfordshire and Wessex, will progress with plans for a mayoral strategic authority.

The announcement also included a proposed £9.1 million allocation from the government's Good Growth Funds to support investment in regional priorities as the MSA is developed.

We've been working with council leaders across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Swindon to explore the opportunities an MSA could bring. Earlier this week, leaders from the 13 councils wrote to Jim McMahon MP, Minister for Local Government, Devolution and Regional Growth, confirming their ambition to take the plans forward.

A Thames Valley MSA would give local leaders more funding and control over areas such as transport, skills and employment support, investment and affordable housing, helping deliver improvements that matter to residents across the region.

Following today's announcement, we'll continue working with the other councils to develop a detailed proposal ahead of a consultation with key stakeholders planned for the New Year.

Subject to approval by councils across the region in December and consideration of consultation feedback, a formal proposal would be submitted to government in spring 2027.

A new MSA could then be established in shadow form later in 2027, following the statutory decision-making process, with mayoral elections expected in 2028.

The MSA would be led by an elected mayor and a board made up of representatives from all upper tier councils, bringing new powers and funding opportunities to the region.

Importantly, local councils like ours would continue to deliver day-to-day services, including waste collections, social care, housing, schools, leisure and local planning.

Councillor Stephen Conway, Leader of Wokingham Borough Council, said: “Wokingham Borough is a thriving place to live and work and this announcement presents an exciting opportunity to build on its strengths and deliver even more for our residents.

“A mayoral strategic authority could help us improve transport connections, support the delivery of more affordable homes and open new opportunities for local people and businesses.

“Most importantly, it offers the chance to give our communities a stronger voice in decisions that shape their future. We look forward to working with our neighbours to ensure Wokingham Borough and its residents benefit from what the Thames Valley can offer.”

Find out more about the Thames Valley MSA plans here.