About devolution

What is devolution? 

Devolution is the transfer of powers and funding from national to local government. It helps ensure that more decisions are made locally and closer to the communities and businesses they affect. 

Why is local government reform and devolution being proposed?

The government's long-term vision is for simpler structures in local government, which make it much clearer for residents who they should look to on local issues.

The government believes that devolution over a large strategic geography alongside local government reorganisation, can drive economic growth and deliver better public services for communities.

How would devolution affect Oxfordshire?

If agreed, devolution in Oxfordshire will see the creation of a new combined authority – a mayoral strategic authority (MSA) – made up of Oxfordshire and other neighbouring areas across the Thames Valley. The government will transfer more powers and funding to this new authority. 

The combined authority will:

• make decisions locally and closer to the communities and businesses affected
• be led by a directly elected mayor.

Councils within the mayoral strategic authority across the Thames Valley will work together around key issues such as transport and economic development.

What is been happening so far and where are we now?

Leaders from across the Thames Valley region are progressing plans to explore creating an MSA for the region, which would bring new powers and funding to support housing (including social housing), transport, skills and local growth.

• An expression of interest for a Thames Valley MSA was submitted to the government on 19 December 2025.
• On 20 March 2026, a further expression of interest for the creation of a foundation strategic authority (FSA) as the route to full devolution and an MSA was submitted following a meeting with the Minister, Miatta Fahnbulleh.
• Following the response from government in June, leaders were unable to reach agreement on what the FSA should look like. This means it is unlikely that Oxfordshire will be included in the first wave of announcements for new strategic authorities across England, expected soon.

The county council and its partners remain committed to continuing discussions to secure a future devolution deal that will bring real benefits to people and businesses locally and across the region.