Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Leader

Forward Plan Ref: 2025/202

Contact:  Kim Sawyer, Programme Director – Devolution

Kim.sawyer@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report of the Chief Executive

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to

a)    Endorse the benefits from the proposed devolution of powers and functions and agree to continue building on the collaborative approach across the region to date.

b)    Approve the Expression of Interest (EOI), attached as Appendix 1, to be submitted by Oxfordshire County Council as the upper-tier authority to Government, noting that the EOI is designed to proactively position our region for early consideration in the next wave of the Devolution Programme.

c)    Acknowledge the EOI as an initial invitation to Government, opening further dialogue and engagement, and not a decision to establish a Mayoral Strategic Authority.

d)    Agree that a further report will be brought to Cabinet prior to any final decision by Government on the creation of a Mayoral Strategic Authority.

e)    Note the informal Devolution Board will oversee discussions with Government, ensuring robust governance and stakeholder engagement by elected members throughout this process.