This report seeks approval for the council to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Herefordshire Council, Shropshire Council and Monmouthshire and Powys County Councils for collaboration as a Marches Forward Partnership.

That:

a) Support Herefordshire Council’s Leader in working with neighbouring local authorities to present outline terms of reference for a Marches Forward Partnership;

b) Delegate to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Council’s Leader to agree changes in finalising the Memorandum of Understanding to reflect feedback from each cabinet and to complete the Memorandum of Understanding; and

c) Delegate to the Chief Executive and Corporate Director for Economy and Environment to proceed with development of a work programme to meet the objectives within the Memorandum of Understanding, in consultation with relevant Portfolio Holders.

To establish a strategic partnership with alternative partners – the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is not an exclusive agreement, each council will continue to explore partnership working with other areas.