Swindon & Wiltshire News
Devolution ‘could unlock £18 billion for Thames Valley economy’
Devolution could unlock £18 billion for the Thames Valley economy by 2040, according to councils that want to form a Mayoral Strategic Authority.
Councils from across the region will debate the plans – and the implications for their own authorities – in November and December.
If all are in agreement, an expression of interest will be sent to the government.
The government favours mayoral strategic authorities (MSAs) when it comes to investing. A similar model for the West of England has secured over £1.15 billion in new funding since its 2017 devolution deal, including a new £752 million transport investment announced in 2025 and the approval of projects within its £350 million Investment Fund.
Interested councils across Berkshire and Oxfordshire and including Swindon say the formation of an MSA would enable local councils to plan and deliver more integrated and effective transport, infrastructure, the right type of housing – with an emphasis on social housing – creating the conditions for faster, more inclusive growth across the region.
Councillor Jim Robbins, leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “This is a game-changing opportunity for Swindon and one we need to grasp with both hands.
“Our dynamic economy makes us an ideal partner for the Thames Valley Mayoral Strategic Authority, creating one of the UK’s leading powerhouses and strengthening the region’s outstanding reputation for world-class research and advanced manufacturing, underpinned by a highly-skilled workforce.
“By linking our own strengths with those of Oxfordshire and Berkshire we will create deeper labour markets, stronger supply chains, and faster innovation with independent analysis suggesting that together we can boost our economic output by an extra £18.7bn by 2040.
“This will allow us to plan strategically for decades to come and ensure we continue to deliver the jobs, infrastructure, housing and investment to continue Swindon’s success story.”
Councillor Gary Sumner, leader of the Conservative Group, said: “The Government has made it clear that it wants to see more Mayoral Strategic Authorities and we need to make the best decision for the future of our town.
“The economic argument for joining the Thames Valley Mayoral Strategic Authority is compelling. We know, having talked to our local business community, that building on our links with our partners along the M4 corridor would boost their supply chains and create significant opportunities for growth.
“This new strategic authority provides a chance to build on our current strengths and become even stronger.”
Liberal Democrats councillor Adam Poole said: “An alliance with our fellow authorities in the Thames Valley region gives us a chance to really push on as a town and secure economic growth well into the future.
“We cannot afford to be left behind and this partnership will benefit both our local businesses and residents, increasing Swindon’s prosperity.”
The Thames Valley already leads in six of the eight national priority sectors in the government’s Industrial Strategy — life sciences, digital and technology, advanced manufacturing, clean energy and net zero, finance and professional services.
Proponents of devolution say it will strengthen those sectors and attract further investment.
Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce, whose footprint is close to that of the proposed Thames Valley Mayoral Strategic Authority, supports the move.
