Content

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.