Plans to supercharge Swindon’s economy to be discussed by councillors
Leaders across the Thames Valley are working on plans for a new combined authority, which would be led by a directly-elected mayor
Last updated 26th Nov 2025
Leaders across the Thames Valley are working on plans for a new combined authority, which would be led by a directly-elected mayor.
The Mayoral Strategic Authority could bring more devolved powers to help boost the local economy, transport and skills, making decisions closer to communities and businesses.
Swindon, Oxfordshire and Berkshire would join forces under the proposal, aiming to attract more investment and strengthen the region’s role as a UK powerhouse.
Swindon councillors are set to debate the plan tomorrow (27/11), with further meetings and a decision on whether to submit an Expression of Interest to the Government expected next month (01/12).
The Council’s Cabinet will then make a decision on whether to approve the submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Government in December at its meeting next Wednesday (3 Dec).
Submitting an Expression of Interest would start formal talks with the Government, but wouldn’t commit Swindon to joining the new authority just yet.
Swindon Borough Council say the Thames Valley economy is one of the most productive and innovation-driven regions in the UK, powered by world-class research, advanced manufacturing, and a highly skilled workforce.
Local leaders believe a Mayoral Strategic Authority could strengthen this position, helping to coordinate investment, unlock infrastructure improvements, meet housing needs, support skills development and scale up the region’s global innovation sectors.
'Securing Swindon's future prosperity'
Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “This is about securing Swindon’s future prosperity and ensuring we have a strong voice in shaping the region’s growth.
“Swindon has a proud industrial heritage and a dynamic, forward-looking economy from advanced manufacturing to cutting-edge firms like STARK, which opened its new drone facility last week.
“The reality is that major transport, housing and innovation funding is increasingly directed to devolved regions, and we cannot afford to be left behind.
“Joining with our partners across the Thames Valley makes economic sense. The region is one of the UK’s powerhouses, combining world-class research and high-value industries. By linking Swindon’s strengths with those of Oxfordshire and Berkshire, we can create deeper labour markets, stronger supply chains and faster innovation. It will also help us continue to grow and compete on a national and global stage.
“This is not about giving away local control. Swindon will remain responsible for the services residents rely on every day, while an MSA would focus on shared strategic challenges such as transport links, skills development and major infrastructure.
“Submitting an Expression of Interest simply opens the door to discussions with the Government and, ultimately, consultation with the public. It ensures we are part of the conversation, not watching from the sidelines.”
If approved, the EOI would be submitted to the Government by 19 December 2025, followed by ongoing engagement, evidence-gathering and consultation.