Powys County Council set to sign groundbreaking local authority partnership

Powys County Council is on the verge of finalizing a groundbreaking agreement with neighboring Welsh and English authorities.

The proposed Marches Forward Partnership will bring together Powys County Council, Monmouthshire County Council, Shropshire County Council, and Herefordshire County Council.

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Through this partnership, they aim to secure government funding for major projects that will benefit the entire region.

While maintaining their individual identities and independence, each authority will collaborate on areas of mutual benefit and added value.

Common interests such as transport, skills, housing, energy, climate change, and digital connectivity will be addressed to support the collective population of over 735,000 residents.

It is expected that this collaborative effort and the council's willingness to work together will attract increased government investment. This funding will unlock millions of pounds for targeted initiatives that aim to strengthen the region's rural economy and promote sustainable growth.

Councillor James Gibson-Watt, the Leader of Powys County Council, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying:

"There is great potential in working alongside our colleagues in Monmouthshire, Shropshire, and Herefordshire councils. This proposed partnership aligns with the geography of the area while recognizing our shared interests. We have always supported each other across borders, so this is a natural progression that resonates with the priorities outlined in our Corporate Improvement and Equalities Plan - Stronger Fairer Greener."

Discussions have already begun with the government to highlight the benefits of this collaboration, and there is significant enthusiasm for the potential impact on the wider region.

The four councils aim to solidify their functional arrangements by signing an agreement in October.