• Swindon & Wiltshire Economy
• Wednesday October 28 2026

Swindon overcomes snobbery to help Thames Valley reach devolution milestone

Swindon is set to gain a bigger voice over transport, housing, skills, and investment after the Government confirmed the Thames Valley will move forward with plans for a new mayoral strategic authority.

Chancellor John Healey announced in his Autumn Budget Statement that the Thames Valley is among 10 areas progressing towards a mayoral strategic authority.

The region will also receive a proposed £9.1 million from the Government’s Good Growth Funds to support investment priorities while the authority is developed.

Leaders from Swindon, Berkshire, and Oxfordshire wrote to Local Government Minister Jim McMahon earlier this week to confirm their shared ambition for the new body.

The 13 councils across the region will now develop a proposal ahead of a stakeholder consultation planned for the new year.

The move follows a turbulent history of regional devolution attempts in Oxfordshire, where Liberal Democrat-led councils previously refused to push ahead with proposals – leaving the wider Thames Valley without the strategic powers and funding enjoyed by other parts of England.

There has also been snobbery about Swindon’s place at the table, with some questioning whether the town belonged in a Thames Valley deal dominated by Oxfordshire and Berkshire.

Swindon’s leaders have consistently argued that its economy, growth potential, and transport links make it essential to any credible regional plan.

Under the proposals, an elected mayor and a board representing all upper-tier authorities would gain greater funding and control over transport, employment support, inward investment, and affordable housing.

Councils would continue to run everyday services such as waste collections, social care, schools, leisure, and local planning.

Subject to councils approving the consultation proposal in December, a formal submission would go to Government in Spring next year. A shadow authority could be established later in 2027, with mayoral elections expected in 2028.

Councillor Gary Sumner, leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “Today’s announcement is a landmark moment for the Thames Valley and recognition of what can be achieved when councils come together with a shared ambition for the future of our region.

“For too long, one of the UK’s most significant economic regions has lacked the strategic voice and powers needed to fully realise its potential. Devolution gives us the opportunity to change that, unlocking investment in transport, housing, skills, and infrastructure, and creating opportunities for residents and businesses right across the Thames Valley.

“We now look forward to working with our partners to develop detailed proposals and engaging with residents, businesses and stakeholders as that work progresses.”

Opposition leader Jim Robbins also welcomed the news, saying: “Getting to this point hasn’t been easy, but leaders from different parties from across Swindon, Berkshire, and Oxfordshire and have come together, worked through their differences, and made the case for what we can achieve as a region.

“I’m particularly proud to have played a convening role in bringing people together and helping build agreement across party lines. Whatever our political differences, we shown that we can work together when there’s so much at stake for our town and the wider region.

“There’s plenty of work still to do, but this is real progress. I’m so pleased we haven’t had to watch another budget where Mayors are seeing the bulk of the investment and the Thames Valley was missing out. It’s great to now be at the table seeing how we can drive growth in every postcode across the region.”