Issue - meetings

To consider the Notice of Motion ‘Starter Units’.

The Committee considered a report in response to the following Notice of Motion which had been moved by Councillor A Kolker and seconded by Councillor P Groves at the Council meeting on 20 October 2021 and was referred to the Economy and Growth Committee for consideration:

“This Council, in order to support the Borough’s post-pandemic recovery, commits to providing a wide range of affordable rental units for small and micro business start-ups.”

Councillors A Koker and P Groves spoke on the motion.

The report detailed the current and planned activity by the Council to develop an evidence base to help build a business case and secure investment for small and micro business accommodation. 

The Committee unanimously RESOLVED:

1          that the Council undertake demand analysis and research to identify demand for start-up units, potential sites and to develop the business case for investment in additional start-up and innovation space.

2          if research shows there is sufficient demand, to develop the business case for public sector investment in new business start-up space and an incubation support offer and use this to develop up investment plans/funding bids to secure the necessary capital and revenue funding.  This could be via sources such as the Levelling Up Fund or UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

3          in addition, to use the business case work to develop a pilot for a ‘Technology and Digital Incubation Centre’ in Crewe, using funding already secured through the Future High Streets Fund.

4          to work with private sector landowners, developers, and investors to promote the development of new start-up space, co-working and innovation spaces in key towns.