Issue 3
Housing Sustainability
Singapore might just be one of the few first world countries where a majority of the population lives in government-provided housing, managed under the Housing Development Board (HDB). One particular issue sees a rise in costs for local HDB flats, which is testament to the fact that the scheme requires reform so that affordability does not threaten the livelihood of the majority that depend on the HDB scheme for a roof over their heads.
Most new flats (i.e. BTOs) are almost all reserved for newly-wed couples or first time married couples that are expecting a child. Such a policy neglects all other types of families that do not fall under the above two categories mentioned. These other types of families will have to turn to other housing options which are often of higher costs.
BTOs reserved for:
This disadvantages:
Newly wed couples
Divorced individuals
Second time married
Single parent
To afford those housing options, they would have to turn to outlets such as their CPF, bank loans, personal savings and/or disposable income to be able to pay for their home, and this puts them at greater risk of debt.
Home is where the heart is
Eradicate the Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP)
Shagun will fight to protect you, your loved ones, and your livelihood.
The EIP limits the number of Chinese, Malay and Indian people living within a neighbourhood and within a HDB block of flats. This policy was made initially with the aim to promote racial cohesiveness in the multi-racial society of Singapore. While this policy clearly supports Singapore’s multiracialism, it places obstructions on citizens’ ability to obtain a HDB flat that they should be entitled to, by reason of their application violating the number limits for each race.
Eradicating the EIP will unlock the dormant flats for applicators, speeding up the wait duration. However, to safeguard our multiracial virtue, the HDB team members should not be allowed to accept racially discriminatory reasons or requests. They may approach these on a case-by-case basis.
We are, at our core, multiracial.
Loopholes in BTO Flat policy
BTO flats are generally new flats and are supposed to be of a lower price due to the high number of eligibility conditions that need to be fulfilled before you can apply for a BTO flat and the long waiting time. These conditions include:
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Have to be married (newly-weds)
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Preferably with children
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Long waiting time averaging at 3.5 years
While this policy seeks to encourage the younger generation to contribute to solving the fertility problem, it disadvantages other families (e.g. second time married couple/divorced parents/single parents/single people) that intend to purchase a house, because the housing development board would not prioritise them. Hence, applications need to be assessed on a case-by-case basis so that families that require a home are not disadvantaged in the process. These applications can be analysed based on income level and how much they need the flat.