In December 2024, government published its Devolution White Paper with the ambition of giving local leaders and communities the tools they need to deliver growth for their area.
In response to this, leaders from across the Thames Valley have confirmed plans to pursue a mayoral strategic authority (MSA) for the region, a new combined authority made up of a number of council areas, which would be led by a directly elected mayor.
Thames Valley leaders to pursue devolution deal
Through an expression of interest to government, leaders will set out a shared ambition to secure new powers and funding. This will enable local councils to plan and deliver more integrated and effective transport, infrastructure, the right type of housing – with an emphasis on social housing – creating 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.
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 - Cambridge corridor.
Discussions on a Thames Valley MSA have included local authorities in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Swindon – no decisions have been made. Councils will debate the expression of interest in their meetings during November and December. If agreed this will be submitted to government at the end of the year.
For further information visit:
Devolution in the Thames Valley and FAQs
Running alongside this, government has asked councils in Oxfordshire to submit proposals for local government reorganisation by 28 November 2025. Government will decide which unitary council structure is put in place in Oxfordshire, and the new council or councils are due to be formed in 2028 based on the proposed Government timeline. There is more information on the local government reorganisation and two councils pages.