This paper uses a stated preference (SP) approach to examine the potential housing choices of tenants in the UK public housing sector. The paper begins by explaining the policy significance of the choices that such tenants might make if alternative dwellings were offered to them. It then discusses the SP approach in general before explaining the way in which it is used in this study. The results of the SP modelling exercise are presented. These suggest that tenants are unlikely to move to housing estates that they see as being worse than their current estate solely in response to lower rents. This is because a number of factors other than rent are of more significance in their potential housing decisions.

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The linear technical-rational model has been heavily criticised as theoretically, politically and practically inadequate. The example of accommodation needs assessment as evidence for highly contentious decisions on Gypsy and Traveller caravan site provision suggests, however, that the technical-rational model has great value in coping with complexity and tension, although the evidence it provides is likely to be challenged. This paper also argues that the same process can accord to technical-rational, tactical or enlightenment models of the interface between social research and policy-making depending on the viewpoint of different actors; the balance may shift over time.