Council leader non-committal on whether Bucks will join devolution deal which could bring £1.3 billion to region
Buckinghamshire’s council leader has remained tight-lipped over whether the county will join a Thames Valley devolution deal which councillors have been told could bring a £1.3 billion investment fund to the region.
Steven Broadbent did not specify whether Bucks would seek membership or pursue an alternative arrangement when questioned after the Government backed progressing plans for a new mayoral authority.
Instead, the Conservative leader said the council was continuing discussions with Government and seeking meetings with ministers.
The proposed Thames Valley Mayoral Strategic Authority would cover Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Swindon, with Buckinghamshire outside its proposed geographical area.
It could give the region a directly elected mayor with greater control over transport, infrastructure, skills, housing and economic growth.
The proposed body would coordinate strategic decisions across the wider Thames Valley region.
The Government announced on October 28 that the Thames Valley would progress through its programme for establishing new mayoral strategic authorities. Detailed proposals, consultation and further approvals are still required.
Figures shared with councillors include predictions of a £1.3 billion investment fund over 30 years, around £400 million for transport over four years and £65 to £75 million annually for skills and employment programmes.
Other potential funding includes access to a further £750 million to £1 billion for transport and hundreds of millions for affordable housing.
Cllr Broadbent was asked whether Buckinghamshire intended to seek membership, what alternative arrangement it was pursuing and whether equivalent funding and powers would be available outside the proposed authority.
He was also asked about possible healthcare and policing boundary implications and whether councillors and residents would receive a briefing.
His response did not directly address those questions or give a timetable for Buckinghamshire’s next steps.
Cllr Broadbent said: “Our focus, first and foremost, is on ensuring that any decisions relating to devolution bring genuine meaningful benefits for Buckinghamshire residents, businesses and communities.
“Buckinghamshire Council has actively engaged with the Government on devolution, having already successfully secured devolved powers through our Level 2 Devolution Deal.”
He added: “We continue to liaise constructively with Government within the devolution framework, including seeking meetings with relevant ministers, while ensuring Buckinghamshire’s interests remain at the forefront of any discussions.
“Our priority is securing the best opportunity and local decision making we need to ensure Buckinghamshire remains a place where everyone can live well and succeed.”
Buckinghamshire Liberal Democrats previously warned the county risked missing out on investment and influence as neighbouring areas moved forward.
Group leader Cllr Susan Morgan asked: “What funding could Buckinghamshire miss out on? What influence could Buckinghamshire lose? What route back in could be available in future, if at all?”
The possibility of Buckinghamshire joining later has not been ruled out. Oxford City Council leader Susan Brown has said the door remains open.
South Oxfordshire District Council has also raised concerns about the proposed boundaries.
Its preferred arrangement would include Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, reflecting existing economic, public service and institutional links.
The council says its leader, Cllr Maggie Filipova-Rivers, raised concerns that excluding Buckinghamshire could require changes to healthcare, policing and other partnership boundaries, with costs and wider implications unclear.
Despite those concerns, South Oxfordshire has agreed to continue discussions.
Participating councils will develop detailed proposals ahead of consultation planned for the new year.
Councils are expected to consider approving consultation in December. Subject to approval and consideration of responses, a formal proposal would go to Government in spring 2027.
A shadow authority could follow later in 2027 after the statutory process, with mayoral elections envisaged for 2028.
The mayor would work alongside a board representing upper-tier authorities. Local councils would retain responsibility for everyday services including waste collections, social care, schools and local planning under the proposed devolution arrangements.