John Healey, MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, announced in his autumn budget statement that the Thames Valley region, alongside seven others across the country including Surrey, Hertfordshire and Wessex, will progress with plans for an MSA.
The announcement also came with a proposed allocation of £9.1 million of funding from the government’s Good Growth Funds for investment in growth priorities as the MSA is developed.
Leaders across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Swindon, wrote to Jim McMahon earlier this week confirming their aspiration for an MSA for the region.
Following this week’s announcement, the 13 councils within the region will now develop a detailed proposal in advance of a consultation planned for the new year.
The council's Leader, Cllr Simon Werner, said: “While we welcome the opportunity to help shape what devolution could mean for Windsor & Maidenhead and the wider Thames Valley, the detail will be crucial.
“Greater local control over investment, infrastructure, housing and skills could create new opportunities; but there are still important questions about funding, governance and whether the proposals will deliver real benefits for our residents.
“As discussions progress, we will work constructively with government and neighbouring authorities, while remaining focused on securing the best possible outcome for our residents and local services.”
A Thames Valley strategic authority will give local leaders more funding and control over areas like transport, skills and employment support, inward investment and affordable housing to deliver better on things that matter to residents across the region.
In December, a proposal will be shared with councils across the region who will be asked to approve going ahead with a consultation. Subject to this approval, the consultation response, and final decisions from councils, a formal proposal would then be submitted to government in spring next year.
A new MSA in shadow form would then be established later in 2027 following the statutory decision-making process. This would then be followed by mayoral elections in 2028.
A new MSA would be led by an elected mayor and board comprised of representatives from all upper tier authorities. The MSA would bring new powers and funding opportunities to the region.
The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead would continue to be responsible for delivering day to day services such as waste collections, social care, housing, schools, leisure and local planning.