ASSESSING CDC VOUCHER IMPACT AND POTENTIAL REFORMS BASED ON EQUITY AND INDIVIDUAL NEEDS

MP Gerald Giam

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance in view that Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers are currently issued on a per household basis (a) whether the Ministry has studied the effect of this policy affecting those who live with extended family members or sublet from main tenants; (b) whether there has been any evidence that citizens who may have greater need for such vouchers are excluded from them; and (c) whether the Ministry has explored issuing CDC vouchers on an individual basis.

Mr Lawrence Wong: The Ministry of Finance responded to a similar question from Member of Parliament Mr Yip Hon Weng on 7 February 2024. As mentioned in that reply, we have other schemes that provide help on an individual basis and would therefore ensure more support for larger households. [Please refer to “Reviewing CDC Vouchers Scheme to Support Larger Households Based on Household Size”, Official Report, 7 February 2024, Vol 95, Issue 122, Written Answers to Questions section.]

In addition, Singaporean households residing in co-tenanted arrangements are not disadvantaged. Such households who have not claimed their CDC Vouchers can approach their closest Community Centre for assistance and provide documents, such as a tenancy agreement, to show that they are from separate households.

The Government will continue to regularly review how our measures can better support Singaporeans.

Ministry of Finance
3 April 2024

https://sprs.parl.gov.sg/search/#/sprs3topic?reportid=written-answer-16237