Shropshire Council seeks flexibility over devolution options

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 02:19 · Archive

Shropshire Council will discuss keeping devolution options open as national reforms continue.

Shropshire Council's Cabinet will be asked in October to support ongoing discussions with government, Telford and Wrekin Council, and regional partners about devolution. The council wants to keep its options open while national reforms continue to take shape.

Alex Wagner, the council's deputy leader and Cabinet member for transformation and economic growth, said the authority wants to ensure Shropshire is 'in the strongest possible position to shape its own future, attract investment and secure opportunities for our communities, businesses and public services'. He highlighted the importance of any arrangement recognising the county's unique strengths, challenges and identity.

Shropshire's position as a largely rural county with strong economic links in several directions will inform the discussions. The council has connections through the M54 corridor to Telford and the West Midlands, and long-standing partnerships extending across the border into Wales through the Marches Forward Partnership. A previous review found no single devolution model fully matched Shropshire's geography, economy and public service connections.

How it is being reported

• 'Conversations with Telford': Shropshire Council keeping options open amid devolution rushThe authority wants to “keep its options open”Shropshire Star · 9 Oct, 02:05
• Shropshire Council’s Cabinet asked to keep devolution options open as national picture evolvesShropshire Council Cabinet members are being asked to support further discussions with government and regional partners as the council considers what devolution could mean for the county’s future.Shropshire Live · 8 Oct, 05:19

In this story: Shropshire Council · Telford and Wrekin Council · Shropshire · Telford · West Midlands · Wales · Marches Forward Partnership · Alex Wagner

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