Thames Valley Mega Council Plans Stalled Again

Plans for a powerful Thames Valley Strategic Authority were put on hold after Oxfordshire Liberal Democrats abruptly withdrew support, collapsing months of talks.

Leaders from Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Swindon had been due to sign off a Foundation Strategic Authority (FSA) expected to co-ordinate jobs, investment and transport across the region, with elections pencilled in for May 2028.

The scheme would have covered areas including Oxfordshire, West Berkshire, Reading, Slough, Wokingham, Bracknell Forest, Swindon and Maidenhead. Details are still sketchy, but the withdrawal effectively paused the deal.

Business leaders warned the pause could harm the region's competitiveness. Paul Britton, CEO of Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce, said: "The risk of the Thames Valley being left behind and not securing the prize of a devolution dividend means the business community will be expecting civic leaders to get back around the table to iron this out and with urgency. The business environment is challenging, the Thames Valleys competitiveness is not guaranteed and having an aligned civic voice with business is not only a prospect, but also a necessity."

Politicians reacted angrily, calling the move 'disgraceful', 'ridiculous' and 'absurd' and blaming the Oxfordshire leadership for throwing away months of negotiation.

Wokingham leader Stephen Conway sought to explain the pause: "The government has made it clear that unanimity was required; in its absence the process has paused as council leaders take stock and decide on how best to proceed."

Pauline Jorgensen, Conservative Group Leader on Wokingham Borough Council, said: "Wokingham Borough Conservatives have never been persuaded that the Labour proposal to introduce yet another layer of government would be beneficial to local residents and taxpayers."

Oxfordshire Lib Dems say ministers changed the terms during talks, removing a stronger mayoral deal and leaving the FSA with fewer powers - a shift some party leaders say made the offer unacceptable.

The collapse of support leaves Thames Valley devolution uncertain. Partner councils must now decide whether to try for a revised deal without Oxfordshire or pause plans altogether - and businesses fear today's U-turn could put jobs and investment at risk.

Ted O'Neill, Local Democracy Reporter