The three councils involved in the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) have therefore began the process of transitioning support for local businesses.

Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin councils are proposing to set up a Joint Committee that will oversee the managed transition of functions and public assets from the LEP by the end of March 2024.

A paper will go to Herefordshire’s Cabinet on 26 October that outlines the new arrangements, with the other councils due to consider at their respective meetings in mid October.

Cllr Jonathan Lester, Leader of Herefordshire Council, said: “The Marches LEP has provided a range of support for local businesses over the last few years but in accordance with the Levelling Up White paper, government have taken the decision to focus business engagement and support services at a local level, responding to the needs of local communities. 

“In implementing this national decision of government, establishing a Joint Committee with our neighbours will ensure a managed transfer of functions and assets, seeking to minimise any impact to local businesses in the interim”.