Leaders from across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Swindon had gathered expecting to sign off on a shadow or ‘Foundation’ Strategic Authority (FSA), the interim step required before creating a Thames Valley Mayoral Strategic Authority with elections pencilled in for May 2028.

A potential mayor could bring jobs and development to Oxfordshire, West Berkshire, Reading, Slough, Wokingham, Bracknell Forest, Wokingham, Swindon and Maidenhead – but the joint plans of all these authorities are now on the line.

Participants at the meeting were tight-lipped on Wednesday about what happened but it is understood Oxfordshire’s Liberal Democrat leadership abruptly withdrew support, effectively collapsing months of negotiations.

Lib Dem leaders from Berkshire were thought to remain broadly in favour, however a new authority could have the potential to invest in big projects like a third bridge across the Thames in Reading, and this may have put a spanner in the works.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, which had been part of earlier discussions, was notably absent from today’s talks. Oxfordshire, West Berkshire, Reading, Slough, Wokingham, Bracknell Forest, Swindon and others had been working towards a shared structure for the new body, with only the details still to be ironed out.

The proposed Thames Valley Strategic Authority would have covered a polycentric economic region of about 1.97 million people with a gross value added of £97.3 billion in 2023, bringing together globally significant research hubs, innovation districts and major employers along the M4 and M40 corridors.

In an expression of interest sent to ministers on March 20, local leaders argued that a mayoral authority could unlock an extra £18.7 billion in annual GVA by 2040 and £7 billion a year in additional tax revenue by tackling fragmented labour markets, infrastructure gaps and housing constraints.

The letter to ministers Matthew Pennycook and Miatta Fahnbulleh stressed that the Thames Valley is the only one of the UK’s top ten economies without a directly elected mayor and said “the economic case is made” for devolution.

Under the plans, the shadow authority and later Mayoral Strategic Authority would have taken on strategic functions over transport, housing and regeneration, skills, economic development, climate resilience and public safety, while day-to-day services remained with existing councils.

Central government was understood to be supportive of the scheme and ready to move quickly on approving an FSA once councils had agreed a governance model.

Local business leaders across the Thames Valley, who had backed the proposals as a way to secure clearer leadership on inward investment, skills and infrastructure, are now said to be alarmed that today’s U‑turn could put jobs and investment at risk.

The collapse of support in Oxfordshire leaves the future of Thames Valley devolution highly uncertain, with partner councils now needing to decide whether to attempt a revised deal without the county or to pause plans altogether.

Without the collaboration of local councils, the government could impose a plan with limited input from local partners.

The leaders of Bracknell and Wokingham councils were approached for a comment.

The youths threw ‘what is believed to be’ eggs at vehicles in Station Road, Didcot on Saturday, June 13 at about 7.45pm.

Egging vehicles between the roundabout and the railway, near the bus stop, the group then ran off down a nearby alleyway, police said.

READ MORE: Road closed near Faringdon in emergency incident

Thames Valley Police are appealing for people who may have seen or captured footage of the incident to come forwards.

A spokesperson for the force said: “If you were in the area at the time, please check for dashcam footage, CCTV or doorbell footage and any information about those involved. Even small details could make a big difference.

“Incidents like this can cause damage and lead to further anti-social behaviour in the area. Your information helps us take action and prevent it happening again.”

Officers asked anyone with footage to come forward by calling 101 or making a report on the police website, quoting reference 43260296802.

New research from Lloyds Bank suggests that car owners who miss key deadlines for MOT, tax, or insurance renewals could face fines or higher costs—yet one in five are letting these dates slip.

42% of those surveyed said they find car admin difficult, rising to more than half, 59% of 25 to 34-year-olds.

Among those who have missed these tasks, more than one in 10 said they went on to face higher costs or fees as a result.

Warning as drivers face penalties for forgetting key dates

Nick Williams, managing director of transport at Lloyds, said: “Juggling multiple apps, deadlines, and rising costs means things can slip through the cracks for people trying to stay on top of their car admin.”

To support its customers, Lloyds has launched a new “manage your car” feature in its mobile app, offering reminders for MOTs, servicing, and insurance all in one place.

The goal is to help drivers stay organised and avoid unnecessary penalties.

The bank said the app features are available to all Lloyds customers, regardless of who provides their car finance.

Lloyds commissioned YouGov to carry out the survey, which was carried out in May among more than 2,000 people across the UK.

Other apps to help people keep on top of car admin are also available.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said the myRAC app has four million users, adding: “You don’t need to be a member of the RAC to download it.”

UK drivers warned of £1,000 fines for using navigation apps

Drivers are being warned not to enter destinations into navigation apps while behind the wheel.

Motoring experts have stressed that using mobile devices in this way can result in fines, penalty points, or even prosecution.

Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, said: “Navigation apps are incredibly useful, but this case is a reminder that even just typing in an address into your map app while behind a wheel can still be treated as a serious driving offence.

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“A lot of motorists may think there is a difference between texting someone and quickly changing a route or entering a postcode, but if you are holding and interacting with your phone while driving, you are putting yourself at risk.

“The same applies when you are stationary in traffic.

“You are still in control of the vehicle, and traffic can start moving again at any moment.

“That short distraction could be enough for police to decide that you are not properly in control.”

Have you ever missed a key date for your car payment? Let us know in the comments how you handled it.