To seek approval to withdraw as an observer from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and to stop paying the £25k membership fee starting this financial year 2020/21. 

That:

(a)  Herefordshire Council withdraws as an observer from the WMCA and ceases to pay the annual fee with effect from 1 April 2020; and

(b)  Herefordshire Council works with other local and national rural authorities, and other organisations which represent such areas, to explore the implications of the Government’s forthcoming English Devolution paper.

1.         The council could remain as an observer in the WMCA.  However, to date there has been no ascertainable benefit to the council and its administrative area in this option. WMCA’s strategic investment decisions on transport, housing, planning, policing and economic development do not include Herefordshire.  As an observer, the council are unable to influence WMCA’s decision-making and there are no indications that future investment decisions and funding will include Herefordshire.  Whilst the council could continue to remain an observer in order to influence the anticipated devolution white paper, it is anticipated that WMCA’s primary interest will continue to focus on their constituent member interests in a primarily urban area.

2.         The council could apply to become a constituent member, however this would require WMCA to approve this application and to submit a new establishment order to government. Herefordshire Council would also need to pay an annual membership fee of £500,000.   WMCA is not expected to submit a parliamentary order in the near future therefore this is not a viable option