SINGAPORE: Singapore's National Development Ministry disbursed some S$110 million in grants yearly to town councils over the last three years.
The grants went towards offsetting operating costs and to mitigate the impact of past goods and services tax (GST) increases.
This is according to
a written parliamentary reply by National Development Minister Khaw
Boon Wan. Member of Parliament for Nee Soon Group Representation
Constituency Dr Lim Wee Kiak had asked about the annual amount of
government grants given to town councils and the implications of the 4th
Town Council Management Report in 2012.
Town councils fund their operations mainly through the collection of service and conservancy charges.
To
provide residents with objective information about key areas of estate
management, the Town Council Management Report is produced.
The
National Development Ministry said the report helps to facilitate
discussions between residents and their town councils on how to improve
the upkeep of estates.
The fourth report showed that most town
councils fared well in areas like estate cleanliness, lift performance
and corporate governance.
However, seven out of 15 town councils were rated "Amber", a lower rating.
The National Development Ministry said estate maintenance is an area of improvement town councils should focus on.
The report found that obstruction of common areas accounted for 36 per cent of total observations made.
- CNA/xq