SERVICE AND CONSERVANCY CHARGES OF HDB FLATS (Arrears)

SERVICE AND CONSERVANCY CHARGES OF HDB FLATS

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(Arrears): **

3.

Ms Irene Ng Phek Hoong asked the Minister for National Development (a) how many residents are in arrears of their service and conservancy charges nationwide; (b) whether the number in arrears has increased or decreased over the last five years; and (c) what schemes are in place to help residents pay off their arrears.

Mr Mah Bow Tan: The proportion of households that were in S&CC arrears of three months or more was 4.4% as at 30th June 2005, compared to 5.7% in October 2000. The S&CC arrears situation has improved significantly over the past few months as a result of the efforts put in by Town Councils to effectively manage their arrears.

To assist residents to pay off their S&CC arrears, Town Councils have implemented various measures. These include:

(i) Arrange for interviews/house visits to assess residents who are in genuine financial difficulties;

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(ii) Allow residents with short-term financial difficulties to pay their S&CC arrears by instalments;

(iii) Refer residents who are in need of financial assistance (due to loss of employment, sickness, etc.) to grassroots organisations, Community Development Councils or other social service agencies for further assistance; and

(iv) Offer temporary or part-time jobs, if any, to help residents who are in S&CC arrears.

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