This report provides a detailed assessment of housing association allocations policies. Since 1992, when the last British study of this kind was published, the sector has drastically changed. In particular, stock transfer has not only expanded but also altered the character of this segment of the housing market in a fundamental way. The report will be of interest to housing association senior managers, and to staff responsible for allocations functions in both local authorities and associations in the UK. It will also attract the attention of housing policymakers, academics and students.

Hal Pawson and David Mullins work at Heriot-Watt University and Birmingham University, respectively. Both authors bring to this research a wealth of experience from earlier studies on housing management issues in England, Scotland and Ireland. Each is also an experienced housing association board member.