Who are we?
We are a ground-breaking partnership covering English and Welsh neighbouring councils and based on shared interests and common issues that cross national boundaries.
Covering 80% of the geographic area of the England-Wales border, Marches Forward provides a distinctive, cross border framework for union and connectivity, offering a unique collaboration of our for local authorities in Herefordshire, Monmouthshire, Powys and Shropshire as well as partners and stakeholders.
Marches Forward offers strong growth potential for the region where 87% of travel to work trips are made by residents.
Our cross-border proposition sets out a clear and coherent strategy over the next 15 years, with immediate areas of focus to drive and deliver transformational change from the outset.
Our partnership
Partner: Herefordshire Council provides a wide range of vital services to around 190,000 people, supporting residents, businesses, and communities. Council services and staff work with a shared vision: Delivering the best for Herefordshire in everything we do. The county is a hub for farming, business activity and tourism. There is a strong commitment to working in partnership to make services better, protect and enhance the environment and ensure that Herefordshire remains a great place to live, work and visit.
Partner: Monmouthshire County Council works to create a fairer, greener, more thriving county, drawing on all our resources to become a zero-carbon county while supporting well-being, health and dignity for all. Monmouthshire comprises diverse communities with a population of 93,000 and has one of the most vibrant local economies in Wales, acting as the gateway linking South Wales to the South and Midlands of England. We have a good track record of working in partnerships and recognise the importance of maintaining and building on regional partnerships to develop our local economy and communities.
Partner: Powys County Council provides hundreds of services to almost 60,000 households across 2,000 square miles, covering a quarter of Wales' landmass. The Council's ambition is to help Powys become a county that is stronger together, with communities and people that are personally and economically resilient and well connected. Residents' voices help to shape their work and priorities. They approach plans in a greener way, focusing on well-being and securing the county's long-term future, with sustainability and biodiversity at the heart of everything they do.
Partner: Shropshire Council serves over 300,000 people every single day – many of whom are amongst society’s most vulnerable. Alongside their partners, they deliver a wide range of vital services to the people and businesses of Shropshire, from children’s and adult social care to schools, maintaining their shared environment to building affordable housing. Their shared aim is simple: to help everyone live their best lives.
