Marches leaders urge government to back growth plans

Marches Forward Partnership (MFP) leaders are set to meet ministers at Westminster in September <i>(Image: Archive)</i>
Marches Forward Partnership (MFP) leaders are set to meet ministers at Westminster in September (Image: Archive)
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A cross-border partnership is calling on Westminster to back its vision for economic growth.

The Marches Forward Partnership (MFP), which brings together councils from Shropshire, Herefordshire, Powys and Monmouthshire, has written to No 10 and senior ministers.

Alex Wagner, deputy leader of Shropshire Council and portfolio holder for economic growth, said: "A key part of our message to Government is the role of local councils.

"Through the MFP we are uniquely placed to bring partners together and deliver at scale - particularly in our rural and cross border areas where we know challenges don’t follow administrative lines.

"The Marches is a place where growth, resilience and environmental improvement have to move together - not in parallel programmes.

"Local government is the glue that makes that possible, and our cross-border partnership shows how big challenges can be tackled in a joined-up way if places are trusted to get on with it.

"If Government is serious about growth and resilience, it needs to back places that are ready to go further and faster.

"With the right support and a bit of flexibility, the Marches can show what joined up, real world delivery really looks like."

A Powys County Council spokesperson said: "Across the region, work is already underway on green growth, business resilience, good food and farming, digital innovation and major water management schemes.

"Together, these programmes aim to support jobs, protect key infrastructure and make the Marches a more resilient place to live and invest."

MFP leaders are set to meet ministers at Westminster on Tuesday, September 1.

Powys County Council said the MFP is asking for funding to help scale up delivery, along with "closer working with Government to test new ways of getting things done."

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