GF, lowly aircrew tend not to move (ever).
Widger, believe it or not but PAYD was around 37 years ago.
If the MOD can get everyone out of quarters and charge 'market rates' for Single Living Accommodation
Actually they started that 38 or so years ago too. SLAM is just an easy rental option. Good news for the system as it keeps people on base and available; easy option for the serviceman. No reason why a serviceman could not be posted to Little Snoring and left to make his own arrangements.
GF, are other nations SLA at a standard much above national service standards? I stayed in the mess at Fursty many years ag and admittedly it was quite good. We were in quarters type buildings not OM style. Like the RAF now it was deserted at weekends.