The Berkshire Prosperity Board is scheduled to meet on Monday 13 October 2025 to discuss the Thames Valley Devolution Report. The report considers the possibility of submitting a joint request with Oxfordshire and Swindon to be included in the next round of devolution, and whether to propose a Mayoral Strategic Authority to their membership.

Thames Valley Devolution Report

The Berkshire Prosperity Board is scheduled to discuss the Thames Valley Devolution Report. The report has been prepared by Kim Sawyer, Programme Director Devolution (Oxfordshire) and Paul Patterson, Director of Devolution Berkshire.

The report asks that the Board:

• Note the contents of the report and commit to briefing their respective Members on devolution following the Leaders Summit.
• Note the work CEO's and Leaders will undertake prior to seeking authority from their respective Councils to submit an expression of interest to government requesting to be included in the devolution programme.
• Subject to support from members, to proceed through each authority's leadership and formal governance processes endorsing the request to join the Devolution Programme before the end of the calendar year.

The report states that the concept of English devolution has been a significant focus of the Government's agenda, as outlined in the Devolution White Paper and subsequent Devolution Bill. The aim of this legislation is to decentralise power from central government to local authorities, enabling them to have greater control over areas such as transport, housing, and economic development.

The report notes that on 16 December 2024, the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, wrote to all councils in remaining two-tier areas and unitary authorities to set out plans for a joint programme of devolution and local government reorganisation, and extended invitations to local authorities to submit proposals for greater devolved powers forming the current Devolution Priority Programme (DPP).

The report also distinguishes between a Foundation Strategic Authority (FSA) and a Mayoral Strategic Authority, noting that the government's strong preference is for partnerships that bring more than one local authority together over a large geography and typically government are expecting strategic authorities to cover a population of at least 1.5 million.

The report sets out the benefits of a Mayoral Strategic Authority:

• Greater Powers: Mayoral Strategic Authorities often have access to a broader range of devolved powers, enabling them to drive more significant and impactful changes.
• Greater investment: Significant funding, such as the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund, automatically awarded at least £30M to each strategic authority whereas local authorities must bid for limited remaining funds.
• Greater control: The White Paper outlined how Homes England works more closely with Mayoral Strategic Authorities, increasing its accountability to Mayors.
• Clear Leadership: A directly elected mayor provides a single point of accountability and leadership, which can enhance decision-making and public trust.
• Enhanced Visibility: The presence of a mayor can raise the profile of the region, attracting private and public investment, fostering stronger relationships with central government and other stakeholders.

The report notes that talks have been ongoing between the leaders of Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Swindon regarding the possibility of submitting a joint request to be included in the next round of devolution, which could lead to:

• Enhanced Local Control
• Economic Growth
• Improved Public Services
• Stronger Regional Collaboration

The report concludes that a formal request to government should be endorsed by each Council before the end of the calendar year.

Other Items

The agenda also includes:

• Apologies for Absence
• Declarations of Interest