The Oxfordshire Council Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 9 December 2025, to discuss a number of key issues, including a proposal to submit an Expression of Interest to the government regarding devolution for Oxfordshire. The meeting will also cover reports from scrutiny committees.

Devolution for Oxfordshire

The Cabinet is expected to consider a report regarding devolution for Oxfordshire, and is recommended to approve the submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the government. The EOI is designed to proactively position the region for early consideration in the next wave of the Devolution Programme¹. The report emphasises that the EOI is an initial invitation to the government to open further dialogue and engagement, and not a decision to establish a Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA). The report states that a further report will be brought to Cabinet prior to any final decision by the government on the creation of a Mayoral Strategic Authority.

The document states that the primary purpose of pursuing a Mayoral Strategic Authority is to provide a support network for the innovation eco-system that drives economic growth through innovation, sustainability, and prosperity.

The report also notes the risk of economic decline if the region does not secure an MSA, stating:

Areas that do not secure an MSA risk missing out on funding, influence, the ability to set their own strategic direction, and deliver against regional priorities. In an increasingly devolved landscape, inaction could result in diminished competitiveness, slower growth, and reduced leverage in regional and national decision-making around investment.

The Thames Valley EOI is scheduled to highlight:

• Economic rationale: The region has national or international excellence in at least 5 of the 8 key business sectors highlighted in the Modern Industrial Strategy².
• Collaborative governance: There is a commitment to partnership working across constituent councils.
• Strategic powers and funding: Powers over transport, skills, housing, and economic development will lead to greater investment.
• Place-based leadership: Greater local control to deliver national policy objectives at the local level has been shown to be successful in other established Strategic Authority areas.

The report also states that Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of the Council, will be responsible as the cabinet member and Kim Sawyer, Programme Director – Devolution will be the main contact.

Reports from Scrutiny Committees

The Cabinet is scheduled to receive the recommendations of the Performance and Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Devolution for Oxfordshire.

Other Items

The agenda also includes items such as apologies for absence, declarations of interest, and petitions and public address, allowing members of the public to speak on agenda items or present petitions.