Bucks Lib Dems criticise "lack of clear answers" from council leader over Thames Valley devolution

It follows the council's cabinet meeting on Tuesday (10/11).

Bucks Lib Dems claim residents "are still in the dark" about how the county will secure government investment and protect its interests as neighbouring authorities pursue a devolution deal.

They say that Bucks Council Leader Steven Broadbent's comments on the subject have "failed to provide clear answers" on whether the county will join the proposed Thames Valley Mayoral Strategic Authority involving Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Swindon.

The group add that they feel there's not been clear answer on what alternative the Council is pursuing, or whether comparable funding and powers could be secured outside the deal, and what remaining outside might could mean for Bucks and its public services.

The Liberal Democrats say the issue is "no longer whether conversations have taken place, but what that engagement has actually achieved and why the Council appears not to have engaged meaningfully with the leaders of neighbouring Thames Valley authorities".

Councillor Jonathan Waters, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, said:

“The lack of clear answers at this week’s Cabinet meeting was deeply disappointing. Coming on top of less than convincing public statements in recent weeks, it points to something much more concerning: the absence of a credible plan for Buckinghamshire.

"The Council Leader says Buckinghamshire is engaging with the Government. The obvious question is: what has that engagement actually achieved?

"He told Cabinet that he met a minister about the issue in March. What tangible progress has been made since then?

"He repeatedly points to Buckinghamshire’s existing Tier 2 devolution deal. But what does that mean for our residents and how will it deliver comparable benefits?

"He argues that Buckinghamshire can stand alone because of our successful businesses and internationally recognised facilities. But why does that mean we are better off outside? Couldn’t those same strengths benefit from the investment and powers being proposed?

"If he believes Buckinghamshire should remain outside the Thames Valley authority, where is the alternative plan? What comparable investment and additional powers can Buckinghamshire secure, and what exactly is the Council seeking from the Government?

"These are reasonable questions. Buckinghamshire residents deserve clear answers.”

Leader of the group, Councillor Susan Morgan, added:

“This isn’t only about how much money might be available. There is a much bigger strategic question. Buckinghamshire does not exist in isolation. Our residents depend on public services, infrastructure and partnerships which operate across administrative boundaries.

"We should be proud of our businesses, economic assets and internationally recognised facilities. But that does not mean we should simply assume that Buckinghamshire is better off standing alone or has nothing to gain from working with our neighbours.

“Buckinghamshire deserves more than assurances that conversations are happening. We need a credible plan, published evidence and clear answers.

"Being at the table is not the same as signing up. It means having the opportunity to understand what is on offer, influence the proposals and properly assess whether being in or out is in Buckinghamshire’s best interests.

"Get Buckinghamshire into the discussions. Establish what is on offer. Publish the facts. Then councillors and residents can judge what really is best for Buckinghamshire.”