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.