Star comment: We can't pass up opportunity
With things the way they are, it makes sense more than ever for councils to work together.
Shropshire Council has up to now turned its nose up at the prospect of joining the West Midlands Combined Authority, and you can understand why.
There is not much obvious similarity between Baschurch and Birmingham, or Wollerton and Wolverhampton. Somewhere like Staffordshire, or Derbyshire, with their moors, hills, and agricultural industry would look to fit the bill better for some sort of buddy-buddy link-up.
A new management at Shropshire Council has brought a new perspective. There is also the wider consideration of the prospect of changes in the landscape of local government, with David Cameron's administration talking about a "devolution revolution." And when a revolution is coming, it is a good idea to get the groundwork in place to ensure the revolution is going to work for you.
Telford & Wrekin Council is already a non-constituent member of the combined authority, which gives it a place at the table but no voting rights. Shropshire Council would also be looking for non-constituent status, and it should be mentioned that the combined authority is split roughly evenly between constituent and non-constituent members.
Incidentally non-constituent members can be signed up to more than one combined authority.
Shropshire Council coming on board will mean the whole of the geographical county of Shropshire will be represented, and although it would be nice to think that Shropshire Council and Telford & Wrekin already work closely together on strategic issues, this arrangement will give them another platform for liaison and co-operation.
There will be Salopians who raise their eyebrows at the linking of arms by this county with the cities of Wolverhampton and Birmingham, but the potential benefits of doing so could be enormous. The county's two authorities will be part of a body which has some real clout and influence and could boost investment and underpin economic growth in the region.
What are the snags? There are the membership fees of £25,000 a year. Then there is the question of how much Shropshire influence the two councils will be able to apply. But this combined authority looks like a group fit for purpose in these times. It is not simply a matter of what can be gained by membership, but what Shropshire could lose out on by not being a member.
