Three Home Counties have launched an ambitious bid to create the first tri-county combined authority, with devolved powers for services including transport, economic development and strategic planning.

Leaders of Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Northamptonshire county councils agreed on Tuesday to ask Government to back their call for greater decision making and for legislation to deliver a more flexible governance structure. Working together, they say, will unlock economic potential and provide better services for the region’s combined population of nearly two million residents.

Specifically on transport the deal aims to give the new combined authority greater say on how trunk roads in the region are managed, such as the A43 and A45. The proposal also includes strategies for enhancing the A34 and looking after the western section of the planned Oxford to Cambridge Expressway.

Greater control over projects such as East West Rail through the region and enhanced powers over local bus services are also proposed.

Oxfordshire County Council leader Ian Hudspeth said: “By joining up with Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire I believe we can maximise the benefits to the regional economy by improving transport links and strategic planning so we can connect people, jobs and homes.”

Buckinghamshire County Council leader Martin Tett said: "I'm particularly excited about the economic gain from East West Rail and the potential of a new Oxford to Cambridge expressway road. The benefits could bring billions more to our three economies.”

Northamptonshire County Council leader Jim Harker added: “This cross county alliance presents a unique opportunity for us to get more decision making powers to unlock the potential of transport infrastructure for the wider area and vastly improve our connectivity to the north, south and west.”

♦ Elsewhere a devolution deal has been agreed this week between Sheffield City Region combined authority and the Government, giving local authority and business leaders greater control over decision making, including transport.

As part of the deal Government has agreed to back Sheffield City Region’s tram-train project, which is to use existing rail lines to improve connections from the city to Rotherham. Smart ticketing for trams, trains and buses will also feature as part of public transport changes.

And the nearby West Yorkshire Combined Authority has agreed a £1.4Bn programme of transport improvements for the area. A new junction on the M62, upgrades to rail lines and increased provision of park and ride at stations are among the schemes being pushed forward.

(Photo: Au Morandarte)