PM invited to Thames Valley in push for devolution and mayor

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has been invited to the Thames Valley in a bid to bring more local decision-making powers to the region, including an elected mayor.

In a letter from Oxfordshire County Council's Liberal Democrat leader, Tim Bearder, Burnham has been asked to visit the area, calling for support for a Thames Valley mayor.

Bearder also shared his concerns over the decision to reorganise seven Oxfordshire and West Berkshire councils into three unitary authorities - an announcement supported by the Labour leader of Oxford City Council and the Lib Dems in charge of West Berkshire.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said the changes would "simplify local government".

Leaders in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Swindon had been working together on plans for a Thames Valley mayoral strategic authority (MSA), but, in April, the government asked the region to instead form a foundation strategic authority (FSA).

An FSA comes with fewer local powers and with no elected mayor, although the government describes it as a "stepping stone" to becoming an MSA.

It was expected that an FSA would be agreed for the Thames Valley in June, but Bearder withdrew from the plans, describing the change as a "downgrade."

Particular concerns were raised over the involvement of Swindon in the geographical footprint of the new authority.

In his letter to Burnham, Bearder has now asked the prime minister to consider "a stronger settlement, including the devolution of powers to a regionally elected mayor".

The correspondence also reiterated Oxfordshire County Council's concerns over the recent announcement of local government reorganisation for the region, which will combine seven local authorities into three unitary councils, covering Oxfordshire and West Berkshire.

Describing the decision as "less resilient, more expensive and more complicated" than a single unitary authority for Oxfordshire, Bearder said it lacked "local consensus" and would "fragment crucial countywide services, including social care".

Burnham is a known supporter of devolving powers to local communities, having been the mayor of Greater Manchester before taking up his position as MP for Makerfield.