Despite Freeze, HDB Residents Still Unhappy Over S&C Charges

Source : The Sunday Times, Mar 16, 2008

They feel rates are too high compared with charges for condo residents

THE 14 town councils under the People's Action Party are all freezing their service and conservancy (S&C) rates, but some HDB residents still feel the charges are too high.

Mr Richard Lim, 42, lives in a five-room flat in Pasir Ris, but pays more for parking and maintenance charges than some condominium residents.

The accountant pays $163.50 a month: $90 for parking and $73.50 in S&C fees.

A check with 10 condominiums found what residents in private estates pay can go as low as $150.

Mr Lim said: 'My friend who lives in a similar-size unit in a Bishan condo pays $200 and he gets so many more facilities.'

Writing to The Straits Times Forum recently, he asked why, despite fewer perks, HDB residents pay more than some condo residents: 'Are they overcharging residents or are they not giving enough value for the amount we pay?'

His letter ignited discussions in at least three online forums, with many asking why S&C charges in HDB flats were only a little lower than those in private estates.

In Parliament last month, Dr Teo Ho Pin, coordinating chairman of the PAP town councils, announced there will be no hike in their S&C charges this year.

The move is in response to Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam's call recently for them to follow the Government's lead in freezing fees for its services.

S&C rates for Singaporeans living in public housing can range from $18.50 for a one-room HDB flat to $61.50 for a five-room unit to $102 for an HUDC unit. Non-Singaporeans pay up to $30 more.

S&C charges in HDB estates are collected by the town councils and go towards cleaning, grass cutting, lift maintenance and upkeep of common areas. Costs for cyclical work such as re-painting are also taken from this kitty.

A public housing resident who owns a car has to pay between $65 and $90 for a parking spot. This, according to HDB residents, is what causes the overall charge to rocket.

Parking charges are collected by the HDB which maintains the carparks.

In a Forum letter replying to Mr Lim, the HDB explained that, unlike private property, HDB parking spaces are not included in the selling price of the flat.

Read the full report in Monday's edition of The Straits Times.