Government set to study options for singles, seniors, large families
LOS ANGELES: The government is now set to study better housing options for singles, seniors and large families.
The government will review the income ceiling for public housing and look into more housing options for singles, seniors and large families, Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat announced on Thursday (Sep 18).
Public housing will be kept affordable and accessible through a robust supply of Build-To-Order (BTO) flats in different regions, including more with shorter waiting times, and a strong supply of land maintained for private housing, the minister said in an addendum to the President’s Address.
The government will also continue to improve public rental housing, including upgrading older rental blocks, and give support to more rental households so they can own their homes.
Calls for a review to raise the income ceiling for couples applying for BTO flats have emerged as salaries have risen over the years, exceeding the current cap of S$14,000. Singles have to be aged 35 and up, and draw an income of S$7,000 or under to be eligible to buy a BTO flat.
This week, Singapore’s ministries revealed plans for the current term of government, providing more details on some of the key points shared by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at the opening of Parliament on Sep 5. The President’s Address sets out the proposed direction, policies and programme the government intends to take for the new term.
A framework for the Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme (VERS) will be developed and fleshed out, and older neighbourhoods and estates will be rejuvenated to make them more liveable, vibrant and senior-friendly, Chee said.
The government is also reviewing legislation to ensure that management corporations of private housing projects maintain and upgrade their ageing developments to meet the needs of their residents, the minister added.
“Business nodes and workplaces will be revitalised, bringing jobs closer to homes. The northern, eastern and western gateways will grow as important economic nodes, while the city centre will remain a vital destination for business, tourism and culture, anchoring Singapore’s status as a global hub.”
Major business hubs in the northern gateway include Woodlands Regional Centre and the new Agri-Food Innovation Park in Sungei Kadut. The eastern gateway includes Changi Business Park and the upcoming Changi East Urban District, and the western gateway is anchored by Jurong Lake District, which is set to become Singapore’s largest business district outside the central area.
Promoting a pro-enterprise operating environment will be a key focus; the Ministry of National Development will work with industry partners to catalyse new growth opportunities, Chee said.
“This includes empowering commercial property owners to undertake place management through the Business Improvement District initiative, and partnering local companies to develop innovative products and solutions, which can benefit the built-environment sector in Singapore and abroad.”