At the Autumn Budget, the Government announced its intention to consult on ending funding for pan-regional partnerships from 31 March 2025. We have now received government’s decision which is that they will not fund the Oxford to Cambridge pan-Regional Partnership (OCPRP) in 2025/26. Read the letter from Minister Jim McMahon MP to our Chair, Dipesh Shah.
Whilst this is clearly disappointing news, it is not unexpected. The Devolution White Paper sets out Government’s intention to support new models for regional collaboration led by Mayors. Of course, for our Region, there are more opportunities coming forward and being led by Science Minister, Lord Patrick Vallance in his new role as Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor Champion.
The Partnership’s Board met in November 2024 and in February 2025. At these meetings they decided that, should core government funding cease, we would take the necessary steps for an orderly closure of the Partnership. The Board expressed its wish to secure a legacy for the Partnership’s activities. Read the Partnership's latest Annual Review.
Over these past weeks, the OCPRP team has put in place a plan for a two-phase closure. 1. For programme wind-down by 31 March, and 2.for the transfer of assets and formal closure of the OCPRP no later than 30June.
What does this mean in practice?
We take this opportunity to thank all Partners and the incredibly large group of individuals who have each contributed significant time, expertise and effort to secure the success of the PRP’s regional programme over the last two years. We know that all Partners will continue to advocate on behalf of the region.
I want to thank the whole OCPRP team for the dedication and determination shown to deliver the very best outcomes for the Oxford to Cambridge Region. I’m sure that we will see more of them as they seek and move on to new roles.
We will provide information as we progress plans and can clarify next steps for the Partnership's legacy.
Karen Clarke
Interim Managing Director