Town councils that unreasonably hamper a public agency’s work on common property can be directed to comply, or be fined up to S$5,000. A similar fine applies to town councils that charge the Housing and Development Board and its agents for the use of common property for work.

A new clause will bar town councils from carrying out commercial activities that are inconsistent with their statutory functions, such as holding trade fairs.

Key town council personnel will have to declare their conflicts of interest, which will be recorded in a register kept by the town council secretary. The auditor and managing agent of a particular town council cannot take on key positions internally.

Town councils will also have to notify the Ministry of National Development (MND) and the public on key appointment changes within 30 days of assuming office, and submit their annual audited financial statements within six months from the financial year end.

The MND can periodically conduct reviews and investigations to check on compliance with regulations. It can also issue rectification orders to direct town councils to fix any non-compliance.