We’re all passionate about wanting the best for the people we represent. It’s also in our interests for neighbouring authorities to thrive, because, collectively, we all benefit.
In the Marches region, Herefordshire, Monmouthshire, Powys and Shropshire have similar characteristics, similar geography and similar challenges, as well as a mutual ambition for our very special region.
Over the past year, we’ve been having wide-ranging conversations about shared interests, including transport, water quality, health and planning.
The more we talked, the more we realised what we had in common – not least a drive for innovation in how we deliver our services.
So, we started to build our case for coming together in a ground-breaking partnership of union connectivity that recognises our natural geography and shared heritage.
From there, the Marches Forward Partnership was born.
In October, Herefordshire and Shropshire Councils will join Monmouthshire and Powys County Councils to sign a memorandum of understanding.
For the first time, two English and two Welsh authorities will work together on cross-border interests.
Transport, skills and housing, alongside energy, climate change, tourism and digital connectivity, are high on our agenda – all common issues for the area’s population of almost 750,000.
Better still, our region could reap significant economic benefits, because we will join forces to apply for funding from both the UK and Welsh Governments on major projects that will benefit the Marches region, which covers 80 per cent of the English/Welsh borderland.
The initial response from both governments is positive.
They are enthusiastic about what we’re looking to achieve and we’re hopeful we’ll unlock millions of pounds for identified initiatives that support the rural economy and green growth.
Of course, we know this isn’t a panacea. The partnership won’t have all the answers, but it will bring opportunities.
It already is, because we’re benefiting from stronger links between authorities, as well as improved partnership working with familiar and new organisations.
People want to talk to us and that’s a fantastic start.
It’s important to say that this partnership comes with no ties, so it doesn’t stop any of us from working with other authorities and organisations.
We describe it as a bit like a combined authority, but with no strings attached and no elected mayor – rather, a cross-party collaboration between like-minded authorities who work together as partners where there is mutual benefit and added value.
It’s early days, but we’ve already agreed that each authority will lead on different themes and our asks to the governments will be evidence-led and community-focused.
We recognise we need to fit in with the levelling up agenda around boosting local areas and reducing inequalities.
We will make a strong case that devolved powers and fiscal freedoms must support rural areas as well as urban conurbations, because it’s imperative that we grow our economies appropriately, so they are fit for the future.
At the same time, we’re strengthening the relationships between two countries that share borders and a unique identity forged over centuries.
While the Romans, Normans and Plantagenets failed to unite this historic area, we are convinced this partnership can together take control of some of the big issues that are important to so many people in the Marches.