Telford & Wrekin Council is looking to become a non-constituent member of the West Midlands Combined Authority, to help establish a formal link to the Midlands engine for economic growth.
The proposal would mean the council remains independent, would not come under the remit of any elected mayor and would remain in the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
However, the council said the move would give it the opportunity to retain more business rates, attract new inward investment and allow it to negotiate new devolution powers.
Leader of the council, cllr Kuldip Sahota said: ‘Being a non-constituent member of the West Midlands Combined Authority would give us the influence we need and retain our independence without giving up any of our powers.
‘This is simply too great an opportunity for the borough to miss – it would allow us to negotiate and agree our devolution proposals; opportunities to retain more business rates, which could result in millions to reinvest here in the borough.’
A report outlining the proposal will be considered by the council cabinet 8 October.
