To seek approval to pay the council’s annual membership contributions to the Midlands Engine (ME) 2018/19 and 2019/20.

Herefordshire Council has been actively engaged with regional bodies established under national policy including Midlands Engine, and Midlands Connect.  A recent corporate peer challenge recommended that, given the importance of economic growth to the county’s future ambitions, the council should seek to expand its influence, and continue to develop strong relationships at a national, regional and sub-regional level.

The council’s involvement in the ME has already proved fruitful for the county, helping to secure substantial funding to support our transport and growth ambitions for the county and thereby increase Herefordshire’s contribution to the wider regional economy. In light of the continued government focus on the ME model it is recommended that the council continue its participation.

That:

(a) the programme director housing and growth be authorised to pay a membership fee to the Midlands Engine amounting to £40k for the periods 2017/2018 and  2018/19.

(b) that Midlands Engine be added to the councils strategic partnership register.

1.               Not to contribute to the ME. This is not recommended as it could have a negative impact on Herefordshire’s ability to access government funding via the ME and negatively impact the ability of the council to influence regional growth plans. 

2.               The council could opt to withdraw from the Midlands Engine, but such a move would be contrary to the Peer Challenge recommendations and could reduce Herefordshire’s voice/influence within the West Midlands.