Pilot Programme to Expand Scope of Household Services Scheme to Include Child- and Elder-minding Services

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Manpower (a) whether an update can be provided on the two-year pilot programme to expand the scope of the Household Services Scheme (HSS) to include basic childminding and elder-minding services; and (b) whether there are plans to make the expansion of the scope of HSS permanent.

The Household Services Scheme pilot was launched in March 2023. To date, 16 of the 25 companies approved for the pilot have started to provide basic childminding or elder-minding services. Based on a market sensing poll, we estimate that about 1,300 households had engaged such services over January to July 2024.

In considering the next steps for the pilot, the Ministry of Manpower will work with relevant sector lead agencies to consider factors, such as take-up rates, and how it meets the needs of households vis-a-vis other caregiving programmes. We will update when the review is completed.