Take-up Rate of Lift Access Housing Grant

Mr Liang Eng Hwa asked the Minister for National Development what has been the take-up rate of the Lift Access Housing Grant so far and whether there is a need to expand the scheme for residents in estates where the Lift Upgrading Programme is not feasible.

The Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP) was launched in 2001 to provide direct lift access to flats and enhance convenience for residents, especially the elderly and less mobile. At the start of the programme, there were more than 5,300 HDB blocks without full direct lift access.

Over the years, HDB has adopted innovative technical solutions to provide such blocks with direct lift access. Through these efforts, the vast majority of the 5,300 blocks have since been able to benefit from LUP.  Currently, there remain about 150 blocks where it is still not possible to implement LUP due to prohibitive costs, or existing technical constraints.

While we will continue to explore possible ways to bring direct lift access to these blocks, we know that some residents may urgently need direct lift access due to medical or mobility issues. In March this year, we therefore introduced the Lift access Housing Grant (LHG) of up to $30,000, to help those with medical or mobility issues buy a new or resale HDB flat with direct lift access.

As at August 2020, HDB has received 17 applications for the LHG and approved seven. The remaining 10 applications are being assessed.

We do not have plans to expand the LHG at this point in time. Nevertheless, we will continue to monitor the take up rate and review if enhancements are required.