• Swindon & Wiltshire Economy
• Thursday December 4 2025

Swindon votes to back Thames Valley ‘economic powerhouse’ plan

Swindon Council has backed devolution plans that would see the town join an ‘economic powerhouse’ with other councils along the M4.

At a meeting of the cabinet yesterday (Wednesday) councillors voted in favour of submitting an Expression of Interest for a Thames Valley Mayoral Strategic Authority.

The proposed devolution deal, developed collaboratively by leaders and chief executives across the Thames Valley, could see Swindon benefit from billions of pounds in future economic growth.

Swindon Borough Council leader Jim Robbins said after the vote: “Swindon will be in pole position for major investment and long-term growth if it joins the new economic powerhouse being created in the Thames Valley.”

“I cannot over-emphasise what a significant opportunity this devolution deal is for the Borough.

“We already have one of the most productive economies in the country and enormous potential. We are bringing thousands of new highly-skilled jobs to the town through the investment in drone manufacturing by TEKEVER, STARK and others and there are more exciting announcements to come, but being part of the Thames Valley Mayoral Strategic Authority will take us to the next level.

“I’d like to thank all of our councillors across our various political parties who have backed this deal and allowed us to take it to the next stage.

“I look forward to seeing these plans move forward in the new year so we can continue to put Swindon on the map.”

The region, which would include Swindon, Oxfordshire and Berkshire, is already one of the most productive and innovative areas of the UK, powered by world-class research institutions, high-value industries and a highly-skilled workforce.

If agreed by government, devolution has the potential to unlock up to £18.7 billion for the Thames Valley economy by 2040, generating £7 billion in additional annual tax revenue and create new opportunities for residents and businesses.

Local councils would continue to deliver essential services for residents, but the MSA would take responsibility for the region’s shared strategic challenges, including major transport investment, infrastructure planning, skills development and economic growth.

The Government’s evolving devolution model increasingly channels funding for transport, housing, skills and innovation through combined authorities.

Councillors noted that submitting an EOI ensures Swindon can help shape this next wave of devolution rather than risk missing out on major funding and investment decisions that will influence the region for decades.

Councillors’ endorsement of the EOI marks the start of a formal process to explore the opportunities offered by a Thames Valley MSA.