Plans to create a powerful new strategic authority covering Swindon, Berkshire and Oxfordshire have suffered a major setback after Oxfordshire leaders declined to support the proposal.
The decision, taken during a meeting of partner authorities on 17 June, has cast doubt over a devolution deal that supporters believed could unlock significant investment, strengthen infrastructure delivery and give local leaders greater control over economic development.
The proposed Thames Valley Foundation Strategic Authority had been under discussion for almost two years, with councils across the region working together to develop a joint bid to Government.
Just months ago, 13 local authorities across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Swindon submitted a shared expression of interest outlining ambitions to secure greater devolved powers and investment for the region.
However, hopes of progressing the proposal were dealt a blow after Oxfordshire’s Liberal Democrat leadership refused to back the arrangement.
The development came shortly after a Government minister urged councils to continue negotiations. In correspondence sent to local authority leaders, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Devolution, Faith and Communities, Nesil Caliskan MP, reportedly described a Thames Valley agreement including Swindon as a strong proposition with the potential to drive economic growth across the region.
The minister also indicated that a deal excluding Swindon would be difficult to deliver and would significantly reduce the wider economic benefits available.
Supporters of the proposal argue that a combined Thames Valley authority could have created an economy worth around £97 billion, placing it among the largest regional economies in the country.
Swindon Borough Council leaders have expressed disappointment at the outcome, arguing that the decision risks delaying investment and reducing opportunities to improve transport links, housing delivery, skills provision and employment growth.
Council Leader Gary Sumner described the collapse of the proposal as a missed opportunity.
“Today is a sad day for businesses across the Thames Valley,” he said.
“We’ve seen brilliant growth in key sectors in Swindon recently and that growth will spread across the supply chain. Devolution has the potential to turbo-charge that.
“Only months ago, leaders across the Thames Valley stood shoulder to shoulder to make a compelling case to the Government. Earlier this week, the Government made clear it backs a deal that includes Swindon, but that opportunity has effectively been thrown away.”
Councillor Jim Robbins, leader of the Labour and Co-operative Group, said businesses across the region had strongly supported the proposal and warned that the decision could result in the loss of a significant economic opportunity.
Meanwhile, Reform UK Swindon Deputy Leader Colin Lovell said residents would be frustrated to see years of work fail to reach an agreement.
Despite the setback, Swindon Borough Council says it remains committed to attracting investment and pursuing opportunities that support economic growth and regeneration.
Whether discussions can be revived remains unclear, but for now the future of a Thames Valley-wide devolution agreement appears uncertain.
