Community Improvement Projects Committee Funding for Town Councils

Mr Pritam Singh asked the Minister for National Development how much Community Improvement Projects Committee funding has been extended to each Town Council via their respective Citizens' Consultative Committees in financial year 2015/2016.

Mr Pritam Singh asked the Minister for National Development in the presentation of gazetted annual estimates by all Town Councils, whether there is a standardised way to present the quantum of Community Improvement Projects Committee funding for each Town Council under the head of Town Improvement and Project Funds.

The Community Improvement Projects Committee (CIPC) provides funding support for improvement projects in Housing and Development Board (HDB) estates for the benefit of local residents. Such facilities include covered walkways, footpaths and playgrounds.

CIPC funding is disbursed through the Citizens' Consultative Committees (CCCs). This is because the CCCs are close to the ground and can identify projects which will be most useful for the residents to improve the living environment and strengthen bonds within the community. CIPC allocates its budget to the CCCs each year based on the number of HDB residential units. CCCs have the flexibility to prioritise projects based on local needs. Town Councils may approach their respective CCCs if they have any enquiries or proposals.

As CCCs comprise community volunteers, they generally engage implementing agents to carry out the project works on their behalf. These agents can include the Town Councils, which are then reimbursed by the CCC for the cost of the works. Currently, the Ministry of National Development does not prescribe any standardised way for Town Councils to present the quantum of funds received from the CCCs in their annual estimates.