Housing allowances in the advanced welfare states

Abstract

This final chapter draws upon the preceding chapters to reflect upon the role of housing allowances in the advanced welfare states. The first section describes the broad welfare regime and housing market context of the ten main countries covered in the book. The second section compares important features of income-related assistance with housing expenditures across these countries. The third section examines key reform pressures and debates about housing allowances and the fourth section focuses on ‘housing vouchers’ as a possible future for income-related assistance with housing expenditures. The final section presents some conclusions.