SINGAPORE: Singapore's National Development Ministry
disbursed some S$110 million in grants yearly to town councils over
the last three years.
The grants went towards offsetting operating costs
and to mitigate the impact of past goods and services tax (GST)
increases.
This is according to a written parliamentary reply
by National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan. Member of
Parliament for Nee Soon Group Representation Constituency Dr Lim
Wee Kiak had asked about the annual amount of government grants
given to town councils and the implications of the 4th Town Council
Management Report in 2012.
Town councils fund their operations mainly through the collection
of service and conservancy charges.
To provide residents with objective information about key areas of
estate management, the Town Council Management Report is
produced.
The National Development Ministry said the report helps to
facilitate discussions between residents and their town councils on
how to improve the upkeep of estates.
The fourth report showed that most town councils fared well in
areas like estate cleanliness, lift performance and corporate
governance.
However, seven out of 15 town councils were rated "Amber", a lower
rating.
The National Development Ministry said estate maintenance is an
area of improvement town councils should focus on.
The report found that obstruction of common areas accounted for 36
per cent of total observations made.
- CNA/xq