To establish required arrangements to transition functions from the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to commence from April 2024, following government’s announcement in August 2023 that they will no longer provide funding to LEPs with functions to be alternatively led by Local Authorities.

a) That a Joint Committee is established with Shropshire Council and Telford & Wrekin Council to (i) oversee, manage and distribute the assets, functions and responsibilities of the Marches Enterprise Partnership during the transition period and (ii) exercise executive functions as required to enable the transition of LEP functions.

 b) Delegate to the Corporate Director for Economy and Environment, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, authority to agree the final Terms of Reference with partner councils.

As per the letter from government (Appendix 1), the councils could ask the LEP to continue to deliver the identified sub-regional functions. However, as per the letter from the three Leaders of the respective councils (Appendix 2) to the LEP Board this is not considered to be the most efficient and effective route to engaging and supporting businesses locally. This option is not recommended.