URL: https://meetings.westoxon.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=467

Decision Maker: Council, Executive

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: Councillor Andy Graham, Leader of the Council, introduced the item, the purpose of which was for the Executive to consider and present views on the proposed Expression of Interest (EOI) to Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) who would submit an EOI to Government. This was in response to the Government’s devolution policy and sought to position the region in the next round of devolution for the purpose of creating a Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA).   In his presentation Councillor Graham stated that this item had also been taken to Full Council in the format presented in the Executive report. Twelve district councils in Oxfordshire and Berkshire had agreed to put forward the EOI to the Government. This was a proactive step to position Oxfordshire in the best possible way to progress quickly to an MSA.   Councillor Graham proposed accepting the recommendations of the report.   Councillor Duncan Enright, Deputy Leader of the Council, seconded the proposal.   This was voted on and approved unanimously.   RESOLVED: That the Executive: Noted the benefits from the proposed devolution of powers and functions, and agreed to continue building on the collaborative approach across the region to date; Agreed to present views on the proposed Expression of Interest (EOI) to Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) as the upper-tier authority to Government, and noted that the EOI is designed to proactively position our region for early consideration in the next wave of the Devolution Programme; Acknowledged the EOI as an initial invitation to Government, opening further dialogue and engagement, and not a decision to establish a Strategic Authority; Agreed that a further report will be brought to Executive prior to any final decision on the creation of a Strategic Authority; Noted the informal Devolution Board would oversee discussions with Government, ensuring robust governance and stakeholder engagement by elected members throughout this process; and Delegated authority to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to propose any final amendments to the EOI prior to submission to Government by OCC.

Date of Decision: December 17, 2025