Vale Leader Welcomes Clarity on Thames Valley Devolution Plans
District council leader outlines position on proposed new authority, highlighting opportunities and practical challenges.
By Jessica Marlow
••3 min read
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The Vale of White Horse District Council has welcomed greater clarity on government plans for a new Thames Valley Mayoral Strategic Authority, with its leader outlining the council's position.
The proposed new authority, led by an elected mayor, would oversee decisions on transport, infrastructure, housing, skills, economic growth, and investment, aiming to give local areas more control. Cllr Bethia Thomas, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, reiterated the council’s support for the Thames Valley’s inclusion in the government’s devolution programme, recognising the potential benefits for residents and businesses.
The council’s preference is for a geography encompassing Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Buckinghamshire, reflecting existing links. However, the council has committed to working constructively with partners on the government’s preferred geography. The letter raises practical challenges, including concerns about including Swindon while excluding Buckinghamshire, which could necessitate significant changes to public sector service geographies like healthcare and policing.
Consideration is called for on how these geographies can be realigned to ensure continued effective services. The council also highlighted an opportunity to resolve issues where Integrated Care Board boundaries currently place parts of Oxfordshire outside the Thames Valley health geography. The new authority must reflect the region's diverse communities, supporting rural economies, environmental assets, investment in transport and infrastructure, affordable housing, rural connectivity, and the transition to a net-zero future.
As a centre for innovation, the Thames Valley, particularly Science Vale, could benefit from significant investment to drive high-value employment, improve skills, and foster long-term prosperity. The council will work with the government, neighbouring authorities, and stakeholders to build an evidence base and shape future arrangements.
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"I welcome the greater certainty the government has provided regarding its preferred geography and the next steps in the process. I remain of the view that the best Thames Valley geography should align with existing public sector boundaries, to include Buckinghamshire but not Swindon – that said I am very keen to stress that we recognise and value the important contribution Swindon already makes to communities in the western part of the Vale through its economy, services and its distinctive and unique cultural offer – it’s a great town, and this provides us with a strong foundation for the future under the government’s chosen model."
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"It’s vital now that the government consults clearly and transparently with all affected audiences to ensure we have a devolution model that is based on what the communities want and need – that is, after all, what the government tells us that devolution is all about."
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"There are other important challenges to work through too, particularly around existing public service boundaries, but I am committed to working constructively with Government and regional partners to ensure any future arrangements are ambitious, deliverable, financially sustainable and grounded in the needs of the communities they are intended to serve."
The government's announcement initiates a formal process. Councils across Berkshire, Oxfordshire, and Swindon will develop proposals for a stakeholder consultation in the New Year. A formal proposal will be submitted to the government in spring 2027, with a shadow authority potentially established later that year and the first mayoral election in 2028, subject to approvals.
