Swindon may soon find itself sitting at the heart of a new economic bloc, after councillors agreed to put the town forward for a major devolution opportunity that could reshape its future for decades.
At last night’s Cabinet meeting (3 December), members gave their backing to submit an Expression of Interest for Swindon to join the emerging Thames Valley Mayoral Strategic Authority – a partnership that would bring the town together with Oxfordshire and Berkshire under a single strategic banner.
It is a move that Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, believes could place the Borough “in pole position for major investment and long-term growth”. Speaking after the decision, he struck an upbeat tone, painting the proposal as a defining moment in Swindon’s modern story.
The Thames Valley is already known for its mix of cutting-edge research centres, global employers and specialist industries. With the right backing from central government, the proposed authority could unlock as much as £18.7bn for the region by 2040, while generating around £7bn in annual tax revenue and creating new opportunities for local people.
If such a deal comes together, Swindon’s day-to-day services would remain firmly in the hands of the Borough Council. The new combined body would instead take charge of the wider strategic issues that reach beyond local borders – major transport corridors, skills planning, large-scale infrastructure and long-term economic development.
With the government increasingly choosing to route funding for transport, housing, innovation and skills through devolved authorities, councillors said the EOI ensures Swindon helps shape the next stage of decision-making rather than being left on the sidelines.
For Councillor Robbins, the argument is clear. Swindon’s economy is already one of the strongest in the country, bolstered lately by high-skill investment from TEKEVER, STARK and others. Joining the new authority, he said, would “take us to the next level”.
He added his thanks to councillors across the political spectrum for supporting the move, noting that early unity now could help set the tone for more detailed discussions in the months ahead.
Submitting the EOI does not commit the Council to any final deal. Instead, it opens the door to structured talks with government, detailed evidence-gathering and, importantly, full engagement with residents, businesses and local partners before any binding decisions are taken.
If timelines remain on track, the Council expects the Expression of Interest to be with ministers by 19 December.
