Notes

The Government wants to create new mayors across regions of England, which would have devolved powers and money to coordinate housing, transport and economic growth.

It then wants to merge district and county councils within the mayoral regions to create ‘unitary authorities’ that would carry out the day-to-day work of existing councils. 

Oxfordshire County Council has asked the Government to fast-track plans to merge Oxfordshire’s councils, which could see the county council elections in May cancelled.

Councillor Brown has stated that “The City Council believes the boundaries of the new Thames Valley mayoral authority should be decided before any of the councils within the Thames Valley are merged.

“We also think cancelling the County Council elections, with no realistic prospect of a successor authority being in place quickly, risks creating a democratic deficit.

“People across Oxfordshire have a right to vote on the current administration’s record. 

“As the County Council ignored our views at yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, we have written to the Government today to set them out.”

Two competing proposals have emerged:

1. Heart of Wessex: Wiltshire, Dorset, Somerset, and Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Councils have already submitted a joint bid. Proponents argue Swindon’s existing collaboration with these rural counties in areas such as police, fire services, and health provides a strong foundation for partnership. Wiltshire Council leader Richard Clewer highlights the importance of Swindon’s economic contributions to the success of this bid.
2. M4 Corridor: Swindon is also considering alignment with Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Buckinghamshire, looking east along the M4 Corridor. Swindon Council leader Jim Robbins and business leaders from the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce argue this option better reflects Swindon’s urban nature and strong economic ties with neighbouring towns and cities. Paul Britton, chief executive of the Thames Valley Chamber, and Les Durrant, president of the Swindon Chamber, emphasise that prioritising the Thames Valley would build on established industry and commerce links, boosting regional and national growth.

While Swindon has been in talks with both groups, Robbins has suggested that collaboration along the M4 corridor might better align with Swindon’s urban and economic profile than the largely rural Heart of Wessex.

The Government’s English Devolution White Paper clarifies that unitary authorities like Swindon would retain powers not devolved to the strategic authority, but two-tier systems like Oxfordshire’s may see lower-tier councils dissolved. Swindon is carefully reviewing its options, seeking a decision that maximises economic growth and best serves its residents and businesses.