In current debates about citizenship, three approaches to social rights
can be detected. Three models of access to social rights mirror these
accounts. The institutionalised rights model, based on the post-war welfare
state, stresses education and information. The market efficiency model,
stressing the need for consumer information, stems from contemporary
neo-liberal, consumerist approaches to welfare provision. The radical
model challenges the assumption of a level playing field for all citizens.
As the state's role in housing has been transformed and governments
have stressed the market efficiency model, housing advice services have
expanded in both state and voluntary sectors. The objectives and work
of these services is examined and shown as providing a close fit with
the institutionalised rights model in the local authority sector, while in
the voluntary sector the radical rights model dominates. In addition, the
campaigning work of voluntary organisations is shown to promote a
radical view of citizenship rights.