Shropshire Council is set to confirm a ground breaking agreement with other English and Welsh local authorities at its cabinet next month (Wednesday 6 September 2023).

The proposed Marches Forward Partnership would see Shropshire Council work with Herefordshire Council, Monmouthshire and Powys county councils.  They would join forces to apply for funding from government on major projects that will benefit the Marches region, which covers 80% of the English/Welsh borderland.

Each council would retain their own identity and independence and continue to deliver services to residents and businesses as they do now but will work together, as partners, where there is mutual benefit and added value. 

Areas of cross border shared interests are likely to include transport, skills and housing alongside energy, climate change and digital connectivity – common issues for the area’s population of almost 750,000.

It is anticipated that the councils’ planned collaboration and desire to work together will increase overall government investment, unlocking millions of pounds for identified initiatives that support the Marches’ rural economy and green growth.

Leader of Shropshire Council, Lezley Picton, said:

“There is great potential if we work alongside colleagues at Herefordshire Council and Monmouthshire and Powys county councils.  It reflects the geography of the historic Marches area while acknowledging our many shared interests and challenges.  There has always been cross border support for one another, so this proposed partnership is a natural progression. 

“We are already talking to government about what benefits our collaboration would bring and are enthusiastic about the potential for the wider region.

“We are looking to sign up to an agreement that would confirm functional arrangements between the four councils in October.  There is no cost implication of the partnership and it does not stop us from working with other authorities and partners at any point now or in the future. 

“It’s exciting and indeed ground-breaking for neighbouring authorities in England and Wales to be working together in this way.  There are naturally strong ties between our two nations and this gives us an opportunity to build on our shared heritage and look ahead to the future.  We hope we can break down the artificial cross border barriers that exist.

“While the Romans, Normans and Plantagenets failed to unite this historic area, with these shared interests among these border councils, I am convinced we can together take control of some of the big issues that are important to so many people in the Marches.”