Housing & estates

2,570 debates and bills about housing & estates

6 Jul 2021

Increasing Stock of Flats under Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme to Support Families Affected by BTO Construction Delays

HDB is working with contractors to expedite BTO construction while maintaining quality and safety, and exploring exemptions for quieter weekend construction to mitigate delays.
The Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme (PPHS) prioritizes first-timer applicants in greatest need, with plans to increase temporary housing supply to better support affected flat buyers.
Rental rates for PPHS flats are kept low compared to the open market, and low-income families without options may receive case-by-case support through Interim Rental Housing at around $300 monthly.

Summary written by AI

6 Jul 2021

HDB is working to reduce BTO construction delays by monitoring progress, seeking exemptions for Sunday and public holiday work, and collaborating with contractors, while delays currently average six to twelve months beyond original estimates.
Alternative housing options include using family or open market arrangements, applying for temporary housing under the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme (PPHS), or considering Interim Rental Housing (IRH) for low-income households without support.
Flat buyers who cancel due to delays may have forfeitures and a one-year wait waived on a case-by-case basis, allowing immediate access to grants for resale flats, which are readily available for occupation.

Summary written by AI

6 Jul 2021

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis questioned the rationale, timing, and potential re-introduction of the concession that allowed non-subsidised resale HDB flats to be used as transitional housing.
Minister Desmond Lee explained that the concession was removed more than two years ago to safeguard HDB flats for long-term owner-occupation and deter speculation.
The Government is exploring ways to enhance support through the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme and Interim Rental Housing for families in need.
Waivers for forfeitures may be considered for flat buyers who cancel BTO bookings to buy resale flats due to urgent housing needs.
Flat buyers are encouraged to seek alternative housing arrangements, with resale flats and grants available as immediate options.

Summary written by AI

6 Jul 2021

Carrie Tan asked if a grace period could be granted to citizens aged 55 and above to secure an HDB flat before their CPF savings are transferred to their Retirement Account, due to limited BTO and SBF supply.
Tan See Leng explained that CPF savings from the Special and Ordinary Accounts are transferred to the Retirement Account at age 55 to provide retirement payouts.
He noted that members can request to reserve CPF Ordinary Account savings for housing beyond age 55 by submitting a request to the CPF Board before the transfer.
The CPF Board and HDB will continue to provide flexibility on a case-by-case basis for members facing difficulties financing housing purchases.

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6 Jul 2021

Sharael Taha asked whether the Ministry for National Development would increase subvention grants to Town Councils after the announcement of wage increases for cleaners under the Progressive Wage Model in June 2021.
Desmond Lee stated that Town Councils primarily fund cleaning operations through Service and Conservancy Charges collected from residents, supplemented by an annual operating grant from the Ministry.
The Ministry has no plans to increase grants to address cleaners’ wage costs since the Progressive Wage Model was introduced in 2012, but will continue monitoring the situation.
Town Councils are encouraged to manage finances carefully and adopt technology to reduce reliance on manpower for cleaning.

Summary written by AI

5 Jul 2021