Issue - meetings
Homeseekerplus Policy Review
Meeting: 05/03/2026 - Cabinet (Item 12.)
12. HomeSeekerPlus Policy Review 
PDF 669 KB
Purpose:
The HomeseekerPlus Policy has been in place since 2016 and was last reviewed in 2022.
Due to legislative and other changes, the policy needs to be updated. It is considered good practice to consult the public and associated stakeholders on the new policy therefore the HomeseekerPlus partnership is seeking approval to consult and implement suggested changes.
Although there are no recommended or set timeframes for how often allocations policies should be reviewed, it is anticipated that this the revised HomeseekerPlus Policy will remain in place until after the completion of the Local Government Reorganisation.
Recommendations:
That Cabinet resolves 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.
Additional documents:
- Annex A EQIA Homeseeker Plus Partnership March2026 (7), item 12.
PDF 715 KB
- Webcast for HomeSeekerPlus Policy Review
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.