Key findings -- Factors underlying the reduction in lettings supply -- The decline in inflow of newly built dwellings -- The declining incidence of re-lets -- Factors underlying declining re-let supply -- Changing affordability of home ownership -- Policy factors -- Information tenancy changes -- Abandonments -- Deaths -- Factors underlying the declining incidence of lettings, summary -- Future prospects -- Profile of households entering social housing -- Ethnic Origin -- Employment status -- Social housing moves and spatial mobility -- Social housing moves and ethnic segregation -- Endnote

In the decade to 2006/07, the number of social lettings in England fell by 40%. This study looks at the factors leading to this trend and looks at how lettings processes are affecting the residualisation of social housing and the ethnic segregation of communities. It also assesses the geographical distances travelled by those moving to take up social tenancies and how choice-based lettings impact upon the pattern of house moves.