A bid for Berkshire to be united with Oxfordshire and possibly Swindon under a new mayor is due to be submitted later this month.
Berkshire is set to unite with Oxfordshire and potentially Swindon under a new mayoral authority, with a bid being submitted to the government later this month.
The councils in Berkshire plan to express interest in forming a Thames Valley mayoral strategic authority (MSA), which would see them working together under an elected mayor.
This combined authority would consist of council leaders and a mayor, overseeing strategic planning for housing and transport.
Similar authorities already exist in regions like the West of England and Greater Manchester.
If the government agrees, this devolution could unlock up to £18.7 billion for the Thames Valley by 2040, with an additional £7 billion in annual tax revenue, creating more opportunities for residents and businesses.
The initiative aims to improve investment in housing, roads, and public transport, enhancing skills training and translating research into job growth.
Council leaders in Berkshire have shown strong support for this move. Councillor Liz Terry (Labour, Coley), leader of Reading Borough Council, highlighted the significant benefits for residents and the potential for the Thames Valley to thrive.
Meanwhile, Cllr Jeff Brooks (Liberal Democrats, Thatcham West) noted that the government has encouraged the formation of such authorities, stating that new powers would improve roads, transport, and affordable homes for families and businesses.
Cllr Stephen Conway (Liberal Democrats, Twyford, Ruscombe & Hurst), leader of Wokingham Borough Council, welcomed the new structure for tackling larger strategic issues.
Bracknell Forest Council leader Cllr Mary Temperton (Labour, Great Hollands) called it a significant step forward to boost the local economy and improve essential services like transport and housing.
Discussions regarding the Thames Valley MSA are ongoing, with local authorities from Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Swindon involved. Final decisions will follow after councils submit their expression of interest, and detailed proposals will be developed over the coming months.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
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