Official Poverty Line to Identify At-risk Families

Debated in Parliament on 21 Oct 2013.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Yee Jenn Jong asked if the Government plans to adopt an official poverty line based on international practice to identify at-risk families and measure anti-poverty efforts.
Chan Chun Sing responded that Singapore uses tailored schemes and broad definitions instead of a poverty line, citing examples like New Zealand and Canada.
He argued that a poverty line could overlook complex needs and create a "cliff effect," excluding some genuinely needy citizens.
The Government stressed its rigorous yet flexible assessment process to assist all deserving Singaporeans, even those outside strict criteria.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Full Transcript

Yee Jenn Jong

Mr Yee Jenn Jong asked the Minister for Social and Family Development whether the Government plans to introduce an official poverty line adapted from international practice to identify at-risk households and to measure the performance of governmental and non-governmental efforts in helping them leave the poverty cycle.

Chan Chun Sing

Different countries tailor their methods to identify and assist their needy according to their circumstance. Even amongst developed countries, New Zealand and Canada do not subscribe to official poverty lines. In Singapore, we use broad definitions for the groups we seek to help, have clear criteria to identify and assess those in need, and tailored schemes to assist them.

A poverty line does not fully reflect the severity and complexity of the issues faced by poor families, which could include ill health, lack of housing or weak family relationships. If we use a single poverty line to assess the family, we also risk a "cliff effect", where those below the poverty line receive all forms of assistance, while other genuinely needy citizens outside the poverty line are

Page: 107

excluded.

Our assessment process is rigorous but also flexible to cater to the genuinely needy. Singaporeans who do not meet scheme criteria but who still deserve help, can receive assistance.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Yee Jenn Jong asked if the Government plans to adopt an official poverty line based on international practice to identify at-risk families and measure anti-poverty efforts.
Chan Chun Sing responded that Singapore uses tailored schemes and broad definitions instead of a poverty line, citing examples like New Zealand and Canada.
He argued that a poverty line could overlook complex needs and create a "cliff effect," excluding some genuinely needy citizens.
The Government stressed its rigorous yet flexible assessment process to assist all deserving Singaporeans, even those outside strict criteria.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Official Poverty Line to Identify At-risk Families | PAPERCUTS

Official Poverty Line to Identify At-risk Families

Debated in Parliament on 21 Oct 2013.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Yee Jenn Jong asked if the Government plans to adopt an official poverty line based on international practice to identify at-risk families and measure anti-poverty efforts.
Chan Chun Sing responded that Singapore uses tailored schemes and broad definitions instead of a poverty line, citing examples like New Zealand and Canada.
He argued that a poverty line could overlook complex needs and create a "cliff effect," excluding some genuinely needy citizens.
The Government stressed its rigorous yet flexible assessment process to assist all deserving Singaporeans, even those outside strict criteria.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Full Transcript

Yee Jenn Jong

Chan Chun Sing

Page: 107

excluded.

Our assessment process is rigorous but also flexible to cater to the genuinely needy. Singaporeans who do not meet scheme criteria but who still deserve help, can receive assistance.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Yee Jenn Jong asked if the Government plans to adopt an official poverty line based on international practice to identify at-risk families and measure anti-poverty efforts.
Chan Chun Sing responded that Singapore uses tailored schemes and broad definitions instead of a poverty line, citing examples like New Zealand and Canada.
He argued that a poverty line could overlook complex needs and create a "cliff effect," excluding some genuinely needy citizens.
The Government stressed its rigorous yet flexible assessment process to assist all deserving Singaporeans, even those outside strict criteria.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Official Poverty Line to Identify At-risk Families

Summary

Questions Identified

Full Transcript

Yee Jenn Jong

Chan Chun Sing

Summary

Questions Identified

Official Poverty Line to Identify At-risk Families

Summary

Questions Identified

Full Transcript

Yee Jenn Jong

Chan Chun Sing

Summary

Questions Identified