Decision details
HomeSeekerPlus Policy Review
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Decision status: Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: Yes
Decision:
The purpose of the report was to present to Cabinet an updated HomeseekerPlus Policy to replace the policy which had been in place since 2016 and had last been reviewed in 2022.
Councillor Juliet Layton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning introduced the report which explained that the current Homeseeker Plus Policy, had been updated to reflect legislative changes, national guidance, and operational learning. Revisions addressed statutory duties, updated case law, and clarified definitions on eligibility, priority need, and housing circumstances. The update strengthened operational processes, verification, and reassessment, supported consistent decision-making, incorporated best practice for safeguarding and vulnerable households, and aligned with national expectations. The policy was expected to remain in place until after local government reorganisation, providing a stable framework during structural change.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Layton and seconded by Councillor Mike Evemy.
Cabinet RESOLVED to:
1. Approve the draft Policy amendments for public consultation.
2. Delegate authority to the Business Manager for Housing, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning and the Publica Executive Director – Operations, to adopt the new policy following consideration of the consultation responses.
Voting record:
6 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.
Report author: Caroline Clissold
Publication date: 06/03/2026
Date of decision: 05/03/2026
Decided at meeting: 05/03/2026 - Cabinet
Date comes into force if not called in: 14/03/2026
Call-in deadline date: 13/03/2026
Current call-in Count: 0
Accompanying Documents:
PDF 669 KB