The government will look to ramp up the number of rental flats available from 50,000 in 2012 to 60,000 this year, AsiaOne reported.
During yesterday’s Budget 2013 debate, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for National Development, Dr Maliki Osman, said this figure is up from the government’s earlier target of delivering 57,000 rental flats by 2015.
He noted that rules are in place for the public rental scheme to help the needy "while ensuring that we do not encourage imprudent behaviour or erode the work ethic".
Dr Maliki added that while rents have shot up considerably, the government has no plans to revise its public rental structure.
On the issue of allowing more to qualify for rental flats, he said the government reviews its rules from time to time, in addition to being “sympathetic in applying the rules”. For instance, renters facing financial difficulties may be allowed to rent out their units even if they exceed the income ceiling of S$1,500 a month.
Another concern was raised by Workers’ Party MP for Punggol East, Lee Li Lian, who noted that there were 11,736 foreign spouses on Long Term Visit Passes who needed to rent flats but were disqualified.
Dr Maliki said that Singaporeans are given priority for rental flats as these homes are heavily subsidised. However, the government recognises "the needs of low-income citizens with foreign spouses, and do consider them on a case by case basis".
Shabnam Muzammil, Senior Journalist at PropertyGuru, wrote this story. To contact her about this or other stories email shabnam@propertyguru.com.sg
Related Stories:
Khaw looking into suggestions to lower flat prices
Govt announces new housing measures, inclusive of singles
Strong rumours of further curbs to private housing loans