Understand
Plans for a Thames Valley combined authority are stalling over Swindon's inclusion
Overview
Plans to form a new mayoral combined authority in the Thames Valley are stalling as some council leaders in Berkshire and Oxfordshire object to the inclusion of Swindon, arguing the geography is unsuitable and boundary changes would be required. While Swindon Borough Council leader Gary Sumner and Oxford City Council leader Susan Brown argue that Swindon is an economic powerhouse that could boost growth and help with housing targets, other leaders such as Oxfordshire County Council's Tim Bearder disagree. For a devolution plan to be submitted to the government, unanimous approval from all affected councils is required.
Key points
- Plans for a Thames Valley combined authority are stalling because some council leaders in Berkshire and Oxfordshire do not want Swindon included.
- Swindon Borough Council leader Gary Sumner compared the situation to not being invited to a party with popular kids, arguing Swindon is an economic powerhouse.
- Oxfordshire County Council leader Tim Bearder stated that Swindon is not in the Thames Valley and that incorporating it would require rearranging boundaries.
- Windsor and Maidenhead council leaders also raised objections, partly over the proposal of a Foundation Strategic Authority instead of a mayor-led one.
- Oxford City Council Labour leader Susan Brown supports Swindon's inclusion, describing the economies as closely connected.
- Submitting a combined authority plan to the government requires unanimous approval from all affected parties.