Conservative Inaction Risks Buckinghamshire Missing Out on Millions of Pounds in Investment

Buckinghamshire Liberal Democrats have accused the Conservative administration of leaving Buckinghamshire on the sidelines after learning that the Government plans to go ahead with a Thames Valley Mayoral Strategic Authority without Buckinghamshire.

The Labour Government is creating a new generation of Mayoral Strategic Authorities across England. These bodies will bring together groups of councils under an elected Mayor and become the focus for major decisions on transport, infrastructure, economic development, skills and strategic investment. They are expected to play an increasingly important role in how Government funding and powers are distributed.

Buckinghamshire Liberal Democrats have learnt that Ministers now intend to proceed with a Thames Valley Mayoral Strategic Authority covering Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Swindon, without Buckinghamshire. The Government has made clear it will not delay progress while waiting for Buckinghamshire to join in.

Cllr Susan Morgan, Leader of the Buckinghamshire Liberal Democrat Group, said:

"Buckinghamshire Conservatives have spent years sitting on the sidelines while devolution discussions moved forward around them. Ministers have now made clear they are no longer prepared to wait. The Government has shown that it is willing to impose top-down policy measures and it looks as if it will do so again. 

Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Swindon would get new powers, new funding and a stronger voice. Buckinghamshire would be left behind. Residents deserve to know how that is in Buckinghamshire's interests."

The Liberal Democrats warn that Mayoral Strategic Authorities are expected to become the main route through which strategic transport improvements, infrastructure investment, economic development funding, skills programmes and regeneration initiatives are delivered.

At a time when Buckinghamshire is already facing major infrastructure challenges linked to housing growth, transport pressures and pressure on public services, it cannot afford to see investment flow elsewhere without a clear alternative strategy.

Cllr Morgan said:

"Buckinghamshire residents deserve to know what plan the Conservative administration has if Bucks is not included in the new authority. What funding could Buckinghamshire miss out on? What influence could Buckinghamshire lose? What route back in could be available in future, if at all? So, what is the Conservative administration's Plan B if neighbouring areas gain powers, investment and direct access to Government while Buckinghamshire stands outside the room?"

Government has also indicated that public service boundaries will increasingly be aligned around Strategic Authority geographies where possible.

Liberal Democrats warn this could have implications for future strategic decision-making affecting public services across the region, while Buckinghamshire risks having little influence over decisions that will still affect local residents.

The group also criticised the lack of transparency surrounding the issue. They say there have been no meaningful cross-party discussions about a decision that could shape Buckinghamshire's future for years to come.

Cllr Morgan added:

"This is not a routine policy decision. It could affect how decisions are made on transport, infrastructure, housing, skills and economic growth for years to come. Yet councillors have received no clear explanation of the administration's plans. The Government has made its intentions clear. Buckinghamshire Conservatives have not."

Buckinghamshire Liberal Democrats are calling for an urgent all-member briefing and meaningful cross-party engagement on Buckinghamshire's future devolution options.

Cllr Morgan concluded:

"Buckinghamshire cannot afford to sit on the sidelines while others make decisions about our future. If the Conservative administration believes this is the right strategy, it should explain the benefits, the risks and the long-term plan. Residents will be right to ask whether Buckinghamshire has one."