A quartet of councils is set to form the first Anglo-Welsh alliance of local authorities, with plans to tackle cross-border issues such as transport and boost investment into the region.
The proposed Marches Forward Partnership would see Shropshire and Herefordshire councils and Monmouthshire and Powys county councils sign a Memorandum of Understanding this October confirming 'functional arrangements'.
In advance, each council will take a report to their cabinet to approve the plans. Shropshire and Monmouthshire will hold their cabinet meetings on Wednesday 6 September, Powys on 19 September and Herefordshire on 28 September.
The collaboration aims to leverage extra investment from government for major projects and initiatives that 'support the Marches’ rural economy and green growth'.
Areas for potential collaboration include transport, skills and housing as well as energy, climate change and digital connectivity.
Lezley Picton, leader of Shropshire Council, said the partnership 'reflects the geography of the historic Marches area while acknowledging our many shared interests and challenges'.
'We are already talking to the Government about what benefits our collaboration would bring and are enthusiastic about the potential for the wider region.
'There is no cost implication of the partnership, and it does not stop us from working with other authorities and partners at any point now or in the future.
'It’s exciting and indeed groundbreaking for neighbouring councils in England and Wales to be working together in this way. There are naturally strong ties between our two nations, and this gives us an opportunity to build on our shared heritage and look ahead to the future. We hope we can break down the artificial cross-border barriers that exist.'
Ms Picton added: 'While the Romans, Normans and Plantagenets failed to unite this historic area, with these shared interests among these border councils, I am convinced we can together take control of some of the big issues that are important to so many people in the Marches.'
The Marches region has a population of almost 750,000 and covers 80% of the English/Welsh borderland.
Shropshire added in a statement that 'Government is enthusiastic about the planned collaboration'.
