Oxford City Council slams county over devolution blockage

Oxfordshire County Council has come under fire for vetoing a devolution deal for the Thames Valley, which Oxford City Council says could have delivered billions of pounds in investment to the region.

The proposed Strategic Authority would have brought together councils across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Swindon, unlocking greater funding and devolved powers, including devolved powers over transport and adult skills.

Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council, said: “People across the region are crying out for change – for secure jobs, affordable homes and better public transport – and this deal would have been an important step in helping to achieve that.”

The authority would have been the first stage toward establishing a directly elected Mayor for the Thames Valley, similar to recent devolution models in London, Greater Manchester and the West Midlands.

The plan was supported by the Government, with the devolution minister writing to councils across the region on June 16 to endorse the proposal.

However, the following day, the new leader of Oxfordshire County Council blocked the scheme during a meeting intended to finalise the joint submission.

The Government cannot impose a Strategic Authority on a region.

The proposed Thames Valley authority would have covered a population of nearly two million and linked major economic and innovation hubs along the M4 and M40 corridors.

Earlier submissions to government argued that a unified governance structure could unlock billions in additional economic growth by 2040.

Paul Britton, CEO of the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce, told the Reading Chronicle that the collapse of the plan risked the Thames Valley ‘being left behind’.

He said: “The business community will be expecting civic leaders to get back around the table to iron this out and with urgency.”

Ms Brown expressed her disappointment in the outcome.

She said: “I am very disappointed in Oxfordshire County Council’s decision.

“I want to acknowledge and thank the many organisations and leaders – across both the public and private sectors – who contributed their time, expertise and support to develop this proposal and to reassure them that Oxford City Council will continue to work towards achieving devolution of powers and finances to our local area.

“We remain fully committed to working with partners across the Thames Valley to secure the best possible outcomes for our city and the region.

“With changes in national leadership and local government in Oxfordshire, we hope we can revisit the conversation again soon.”

The city council’s cabinet is set to discuss the decision and its implications for Oxford’s economy at a meeting on July 8.