Oxfordshire leaders have written to Labour leadership contender Andy Burnham calling for an “ambitious devolution settlement”, just weeks after Oxfordshire County Council helped bring down proposals for a Thames Valley strategic authority.
The joint letter from the council’s leader, Tim Bearder, and cabinet member for HR and reorganisation has reignited debate over the future of devolution across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Swindon.
Last month, proposals to establish a devolved Foundation Strategic Authority (FSA) were rejected following objections from Liberal Democrat leaders in Oxfordshire and Windsor and Maidenhead, despite around 18 months of negotiations involving 13 councils.
The proposed authority would have transferred greater decision-making powers from Westminster to the region, covering areas including transport, housing, infrastructure and economic development, while unlocking greater access to government funding.
Government ministers have previously suggested the proposed area could generate around £97 billion in gross value added, strengthening the case for deeper regional devolution.
Tim Bearder said the proposals were rejected because they did not provide sufficient powers, funding or a coherent geographical area to deliver meaningful change.
He has consistently argued that Buckinghamshire would be a more appropriate partner than Swindon, although Buckinghamshire withdrew from discussions earlier this year.
In the letter to Andy Burnham, widely expected to become the next Prime Minister if he wins Labour’s leadership contest, council leaders instead highlighted opportunities for Oxfordshire to work more closely with regions such as the Liverpool City Region while continuing to pursue a stronger devolution settlement.
The decision to veto the original proposals has attracted criticism from political leaders across the region.
At a recent Oxfordshire County Council meeting, representatives from Business West warned that delaying devolution risked missing significant economic opportunities. Conservative councillor Kieron Mallon described the decision as “like putting the ball on the penalty spot and missing by a mile”.
Meanwhile, an Oxford City Council report due to be considered next week states that the county council’s decision has “considerably reduced the likelihood of establishing a Thames Valley Mayor in the near term”.
The report also says the veto introduces “delay, uncertainty, and strategic risk”, although it notes that future progress towards devolution remains possible.
Oxford City Council is expected to reaffirm its support for a Thames Valley devolution deal, including Swindon, having previously invested more than £20,000 in developing the original proposals.
The debate highlights continuing differences between local authorities over the geographical shape of any future devolution agreement, even as there remains broad support for securing greater powers and investment for the region.
Reporting contribution by Isabella Harris, Local Democracy Reporter (LDR) for Oxfordshire, covering local politics, council meetings and planning decisions across six councils in the county.
