The allocation of scarce resources in public policy planning is seen to operate at a number of different levels: the strategic allocation of resources between and within different types of broad service types and categories of need; the allocation of services to individuals most in need of them; and the allocation of resources over time in response to changing demand.
In this paper we argue that although these processes are related different methods need to be employed at each stage. It is suggested that whereas programming models are suitable for strategic decisions a more detailed consideration of individual attributes is required for individual allocation. For forecasting the impact of present allocation policies and determining future levels of needs a microsimulation model is developed. The integration of the different methodologies outlined is sought, and the models developed in a way which allows policymakers to explore the consequences of their decisions. It is thus seen to allow planners to search the decision space in which they operate and pick the best set of policies considered.
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