Issue - meetings

Homeseekerplus Policy Review

Meeting: 05/03/2026 - Cabinet (Item 215)

Webcast for 05/03/2026 - Cabinet

215 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:

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.

Voting record:

6 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.

Minutes:

The purpose of the report was to present to Cabinet an updated HomeseekerPlus Policy to replace the existing policy, which had been in place since 2016 and was last reviewed in 2022.

Councillor Juliet Layton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, explained that the policy had required updating in light of significant legislative changes, updated national guidance, and operational learning across the partnership. Members were advised that the proposed revisions aimed to ensure the policy remained fair, transparent, legally compliant, and aligned with statutory guidance on choice-based letting for social housing.

The review addressed new statutory duties, including those relating to domestic abuse and the armed forces, and updated case law affecting eligibility, priority need, and local connection. Officers had also proposed clearer definitions and strengthened operational processes regarding medical and welfare needs, overcrowding, under-occupation, and threatened homelessness, as well as improved verification, reassessment, and suspension procedures to maintain an accurate register.

The updated policy incorporated best practice from across the sector, strengthened safeguarding and support for vulnerable households, and was expected to remain in place until after local government reorganisation, providing stability during structural change. Members were advised that questions on the detailed policy should be directed to council officers due to the sensitive and nuanced nature of the policy.

The Leader invited questions from Cabinet Members.

Councillor Patrick Coleman queried the emergency banding for downsizing within the HomeSeeker Plus policy, seeking clarification on whether it applied to the whole of Gloucestershire or only Gloucester City. Councillor Juliet Layton confirmed that the scheme operated across Gloucestershire and West Oxfordshire, in partnership with seven local authorities and social housing landlords, enabling tenants to bid for properties through a choice-based lettings system.

Councillor Mike Evemy seconded the recommendation, noting minor wording amendments to clarify that the policy would be adopted following consideration of consultation responses. He thanked housing officers, for their work supporting residents to access and maintain housing and prevent homelessness. Members were advised that the consultation would commence in May, with the revised policy subsequently adopted following consideration of responses from the partnership authorities.

Cabinet noted that the HomeSeeker Plus policy would continue to operate across all districts and boroughs in Gloucestershire and West Oxfordshire, providing a consistent framework through local government reorganisation.