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.

Cabinet members considered a report seeking 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.  It provides the basis for enhanced working with the Council’s neighbours.

The Leader explained that it will be committing to a strategy to work together and to influence the UK and Welsh Governments to gain investment and critical infrastructure such as the A49. Noted that concerns were raised by members that it would be diverting officers away from priorities of the Council.  It was clarified that through the Leader’s Group the focus is to remain on improving services for Herefordshire Council residents and the connectivity includes major infrastructure requirements. 

The review will be brought forward to 12 months to ensure the proposed activities remain on tract.  Clarified that if the Council decides to enter the MOU it does not prevent the Council from forming any other key partnerships with other local authorities.

Confirmed that subject to the decision by Cabinet the Leader will be meeting with Leaders of the other Councils on 6 October 2023 to finalise the agreement. A launch event will be held in November 2023. 

Confirmed the Political Group Consultation took place and Cabinet are keen to ensure that the feedback is clear regarding the Chief Executive being delegated to in the wording of the MOU. 

There were no comments by Cabinet Members. 

Group leaders gave the views of their groups.  The MOU was considered positively and group leaders were broadly supportive with the view of this building on the good working relationship with other local authorities.  It was raised that it would be beneficial for border land issues to be reviewed by an MP, the MOU shouldn’t become a financial burden nor take too more discussion time rather than action. 

In response to queries it was noted that:

• There is scope for joint working and it is acknowledged that greater scope is wanted in certain areas;
• The Political Group Consultation was published later and the recommendations made will be listened to;
• The closer working relationship with the neighbouring local authorities will be a beneficial way to help tackle those cross border issues;
• The MOU is not set in stone.

It was unanimously resolved that Cabinet:

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.