Thames Valley devolution bid dealt major blow by Oxfordshire

The announcement comes after Liberal Democrat leaders in Oxfordshire refused to agree a proposed Thames Valley Foundation Strategic Authority (FSA).
The decision, taken at a meeting of partner authorities, effectively brings to an end nearly two years of cross-border collaboration and stalls a deal that could have unlocked billions of pounds of investment, new powers and long-term growth for the region.
The outcome came just 24 hours after a Government minister wrote to council leaders urging them to move forward at pace, describing a Thames Valley deal including Swindon as “...game changing for growth” and a “...strong and compelling” proposition."
In the letter, Nesil Caliskan MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Devolution, Faith and Communities made clear that a Thames Valley devolution deal including Swindon would create a £97bn economy comparable in scale to Greater Manchester, strengthen housing and infrastructure delivery across the region, and help unlock stronger links between research, manufacturing and innovation.
The Minister also warned that a Thames Valley deal without Swindon would be unviable and diminish the overall economic opportunity, urging leaders to reach agreement quickly so the region could benefit from future Government investment.
Just months ago, 13 councils across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Swindon came together to submit a joint expression of interest to the Government, setting out a shared ambition to secure devolution and unlock the full economic potential of the Thames Valley.
That ambition would have seen the Thames Valley become one of the largest strategic economies in the country.
The Thames Valley’s success relies on a mix of high-performing areas, with Swindon playing a central role. The borough’s GVA per capita of £52,900 is second only to Berkshire (£56,500) and significantly ahead of Oxfordshire (£39,800).
At a time when productivity across parts of the Thames Valley has stalled or declined, Swindon has continued to deliver steady growth and resilience, strengthening the region’s overall economic performance.
Swindon Borough Council leaders say the decision risks throwing away a generational opportunity to boost growth, accelerate delivery of affordable homes, improve skills and create jobs, and to give communities greater control over investment and decision-making. 
They called on businesses across the Thames Valley to lobby Oxfordshire County Council leaders to change their mind.
Cllr Gary Sumner, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “Today is a sad day for businesses across the Thames Valley. 
"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.
“This deal had the potential to unlock billions, creating jobs, delivering homes and giving us more control over our own economic future.
“We remain open for business, open to growth and open to partnership, and we will continue to fight for the investment our residents and businesses deserve.”
Cllr Jim Robbins, Leader of the Labour & Co-operative Group, said: “This should have been about what is best for residents across the region.
“We have spent two years working constructively across the region to build a deal that would deliver real opportunities, better transport, more affordable homes, stronger skills and good jobs. We even hosted the initial meeting of the leaders across the Thames Valley here in Swindon.
“The Government has been clear about the strength of a Thames Valley deal that includes Swindon. Ignoring that risks losing a major opportunity for the whole region. 
"The business sector has been extremely supportive of the proposal and they will be rightly disappointed the deal has seemingly collapsed at the eleventh hour.
“We remain committed to working across party lines in the interests of our town and will continue to push for the best possible future for our residents.”
Colin Lovell, Deputy Leader of Reform UK Swindon, said: “Residents will be rightly frustrated to see such a significant opportunity collapse.
“This was a chance to create one of the strongest regional economies in the country and secure long-term investment for our communities.
“Instead, that opportunity has been lost despite clear support for a deal that included Swindon.”
Swindon Borough Council has made clear it remains committed to securing investment and growth for the town and will continue to explore every opportunity to deliver for its residents and businesses.
 

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