The success of the Housing and Development Board (HDB) is one of the reasons why Singapore has one of the highest homeownership rates in the world. It is also why renters are an anomaly that fall into two distinct categories – upwardly mobile Singaporeans renting privately and lower-income households lodged in cramped public rental flats.
It is the latter group that MP Ms Carrie Tan (Nee Soon GRC) decided to speak up for in an adjournment motion, calling for more space and better-designed public rental flats to help residents thrive. The assumption that providing a pleasing environment would reduce residents’ motivation is a misconception that requires reexamination. In fact, living with insufficient space can negatively impact well-being, hindering tenants’ ability to advance socially and economically, said MP Tan.
From renters to homeowners
Unfortunately, society tends to inaccurately characterise public rental flat residents as lacking responsibility and prone to problematic behaviour. This unfair stereotype exacerbates the challenges faced by families striving for upward mobility, as it breeds fear and prejudice.
To reduce this societal divide, the PAP Government has continued to pursue policies that aim to uplift disadvantaged families and break the poverty cycle. In what many considered a bold move, HDB began integrating rental and purchased flats in the same block to promote social mixing – a strategic step towards greater social cohesion.
Going upstream, the PAP has built an ecosystem of help to empower families towards stability and self-reliance. There is a ComLink Rental Scheme, which combines public rental housing with social support. Meanwhile, the Fresh Start Housing Scheme aims to help second-timer families with young children living in public rental flats own a home (again). “We have enhanced the scheme to offer 3-room flats on shorter leases so that families have more options and increase the grant amount to $50,000,” said Minister of State Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim.
Finally, while moving out of interim accommodation remains the goal, the PAP acknowledges that it might not always be realistic for everyone. For that reason, HDB has expanded its rental options, including a co-living housing scheme for low-income singles. It has also made efforts to improve the aesthetics of public rental flats, enhancing natural lighting and ventilation within units and adding a partition to some to create more space.
Speaking up for the underserved
Understandably, national housing discussions tend to centre on homeownership. However, the needs of public rental tenants deserve due attention. Conventional assumptions that temporary accommodations require only temporary comfort are misguided.
MP Tan’s motion signifies raising awareness of challenges confronting an underserved group, reflecting the People’s Action Party’s commitment to an inclusive society where all Singaporeans, regardless of housing circumstances, can pursue their dreams and aspirations.
Photo Source: MSF/ Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim/ Carrie Tan via Facebook
