“"I am concerned that councils were given just two working days to consider proposals that could reshape public service boundaries across the Thames Valley for years to come. Such far-reaching decisions deserve proper scrutiny and genuine local involvement. However, we have decided to support the decision to proceed to the next phase of discussions because it is important that residents have the opportunity to understand both the benefits and any implications of these proposals. We will continue to work constructively with government and neighbouring authorities to ensure the process is evidence-based, transparent and properly informed by local views before any final decisions are taken. Our shared ambition should be to deliver devolution that is financially sustainable, democratically accountable and grounded in the needs and identities of the communities it is intended to serve."
South Oxfordshire Council Leader Writes to Government on Thames Valley Devolution
Council expresses concerns over proposed geography and timeline for new Mayoral Strategic Authority, but agrees to further discussions.
By Jessica Marlow
••3 min read
AI
Generic image of a pen on a document with official seals, with a blurred government building in the background.
South Oxfordshire District Council has formally responded to government proposals for a new Thames Valley Mayoral Strategic Authority, expressing concerns over the proposed geography and tight timeline for decision-making.
The government is developing plans to establish a new level of local government in the Thames Valley region, to be led by an elected mayor. This new body, known as a Mayoral Strategic Authority, would oversee decisions on transport, infrastructure, skills, housing, economic growth, and investment, aiming to grant local areas greater control over community issues.
As part of this process, councils across Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Swindon were invited to consider proposals for a new Mayoral Strategic Authority. Cllr Maggie Filipova-Rivers, Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, submitted the council's response on Monday.
The council's letter supports the principle of devolution and the idea that decisions should be made as close to communities as possible, recognising the potential benefits of local control over investment and public services. However, concerns were raised about being presented with a binary choice between the government's proposed geography or no strategic authority at all, with limited time to assess the implications.
South Oxfordshire's preferred geography remains a Thames Valley area encompassing Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Buckinghamshire, reflecting existing strong links. Cllr Filipova-Rivers highlighted concerns about excluding Buckinghamshire, which could necessitate changes to public service and strategic partnership boundaries, such as healthcare and policing, with unclear costs and implications.
Despite these reservations, the council has agreed to proceed to the next stage of discussions. This will allow for the development of a fuller evidence base, a better understanding of the proposals' benefits and risks, and opportunities for resident and stakeholder engagement before final decisions are made.
Any final proposal will require consideration and ratification through appropriate democratic processes by the constituent councils.
Based on information from the official source: South Oxfordshire District Council (28/10/2026)
