Thames Valley leaders to pursue devolution deal

Leaders from across the Thames Valley are progressing 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.

Through an expression of interest letter to 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, 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.

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.

If agreed by government, devolution has the potential to 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 research and innovation translate into jobs and growth across every part of the region.

Councillor Mary Temperton, Leader of Bracknell Forest Council, said: 

"Productive discussions are still ongoing about the make-up of a mayoral strategic authority for the Thames Valley area, including Bracknell Forest, with the ambition to submit an expression of interest by the end of the year. This would be an important step forward in our local devolution journey, which aims to help boost the local economy and improve services that are really important to our residents, like transport and housing."

Councillor Liz Terry, Leader of Reading Borough Council, said: 

"While each and every local authority from across the Thames Valley helps to drive the region's economy in their own right, the opportunities offered through devolution and a common purpose promise to unlock enormous benefits for residents who live here. Together, we are convinced that a Thames Valley MSA will present a compelling case to government for sustained investment in the region, helping to deliver the essential transport infrastructure, housing and skills required for the Thames Valley to reach its full potential."  

Councillor Simon Werner, Leader of the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, said: 

"At the moment, our Borough is missing out on additional powers and resources - in terms of public and inward investment - which have been devolved from government to other areas which have devolution agreements in place.  We need to go after as much funding and investment as possible, to the benefit of all of us in the borough. I want to see more investment in social housing, transport, infrastructure, skills, employment and support to business. That's why we are working with other councils to explore with government what's on offer through devolution, and how we can access that."

Councillor Dexter Smith, Leader of Slough Borough Council, said: 

"This initiative should put the Thames Valley region on track for higher growth rates in future years. It is an opportunity for our region to take charge of big infrastructure projects which will really make a big difference to lives locally, like ensuring we have enough power supply and sewage for the region as it grows, or that western rail access to Heathrow is not just for the airport's benefit but makes it possible for millions of foreign passengers to visit tourist destinations all over the Thames Valley each year, or for the upgrading of GWR branch lines to allow us to have a station in Chalvey on route between Slough and Windsor. We need to think outside the box and seize the day!"

Councillor Jeff Brooks, Leader of West Berkshire Council, said: 

"Nationally, the Government has set out its agenda to create strategic mayoral authorities and deliver new powers, decision making, and funding for regions. We can see the advantages of this devolution programme and how it could serve our communities. Together with other councils, we're looking to unlock these benefits and create a strategic authority for the Thames Valley. With new powers and funding, we'll be able to invest in improving our roads, public transport, and affordable homes - making life better for families and businesses. Together, we can make sure the Thames Valley continues to grow, creating new jobs and opportunities for everyone."

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 keys 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 MSA."   

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.

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.

For further information visit www.reading.gov.uk/devolution.