Govt to tie up with help groups to better deliver aid to needy, elderly

SINGAPORE — Stressing the need for everyone to play a part to build a caring and resilient society, Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat nevertheless acknowledged that there is scope to improve the delivery of Government services, especially to the needy and elderly.

And moving forward, community partnership will be a “major area of focus”, said Mr Heng. 

For example, the Community Network for Seniors pilot announced during the Budget speech last month will bring government agencies and local stakeholders — which could include non-profit organisations, community and grassroots groups, schools and businesses — together to study the needs of seniors, and help them take preventive care.

The pilot will be rolled out at three to five precincts around Singapore in the next few months.

Singapore can do “even better” in planning estates and social services to make Singapore a model for social service delivery as well as successful ageing, said Mr Heng in his speech rounding up the Budget debate yesterday. “Ultimately it is not about Government schemes, but about building a caring and resilient society,” he added.

In his speech, Mr Heng also touched on how the Government needs to bring help closer to those in need, and integrate assistance from public agencies and voluntary welfare organisations.

While there are now 24 Social Service Offices across Singapore which residents can approach for help — compared to going to the five Community Development Councils for Comcare assistance previously — more can be done. “With more experience, we will do better,” said Mr Heng.

Meanwhile, the expansion of the Social Service Net, a national case management system for the social service sector, will allow agencies to better calibrate their support to help each citizen and better address their needs, he said.

Businesses also have a role to play in helping the social sector and supporting employee volunteerism. For example, the Business and IPIC Partnership Scheme pilot is designed to support more partnerships between businesses and Institutions of a Public Character, and encourage employee volunteerism.

Noting that some MPs had raised concerns over the lack of tax rebates and measures aimed at helping the middle-income group this year, Mr Heng said the Government is strengthening the existing measures that benefit this particular group and provide active support for housing, education and healthcare.

On support for families and children, Mr Heng said housing subsidies that help low- and middle-income families own their homes have increased.

For the low-income, the Fresh Start Housing Scheme — which provides a grant of up to S$35,000 for families with young children living in rental housing — will help some families own a home again. Preschool subsidies have also significantly increased. For instance, every month, low-income families pay S$3 for childcare and S$1 for kindergarten.

“All these measures are not as direct as putting money in people’s pocket, but it has a more meaningful long-term impact on the careers and the future of Singaporeans,” said Mr Heng.

In response to some MPs — among them Mr Lim Biow Chuan (Mountbatten) and Mr Darryl David (Ang Mo Kio GRC) — who pointed out that some seniors may need help but do not qualify automatically under the Silver Support Scheme, Mr Heng said seniors in “exceptional circumstances” can ask the CPF board to review their eligibility for the scheme.