All Oxfordshire councils, Berkshire councils and Swindon Council have been working collaboratively to develop a joint proposal for the creation across the Thames Valley area of a Foundation Strategic Authority or Mayoral Strategic Authority, in line with objectives set by Government in the English Devolution Bill. While only upper tier authorities and unitaries can make an application to Government for devolution, all lower tier councils in Oxfordshire are also asked to support such an application.
Cabinet will be asked to make a decision on Oxford City Council giving its support to Oxfordshire County Council's application for Devolution to Government, alongside councils in Berkshire and Swindon, before the end of December 2025. Council is asked to note the proposed application ahead of the decision being taken by the Cabinet.