The Special Needs Trust Company (SNTC) may not see a high take-up rate because of the financial disadvantages of the trust fund as perceived by family members of disabled persons (Few set up trust fund to care for kin with disabilities; March 29).

The SNTC administers the trust, but the money is managed by the Public Trustee's Office.

The management fees levied by the Public Trustee is between 2 per cent and 6 per cent of the amount put into the trust. This gives the perception of a negative return in real terms, considering the low interest earned and inflation.

In the light of this, the Central Provident Fund Board, rather than the Public Trustee's Office, should be entrusted with the management of the trust funds.

With a structure already in place for managing the nation's retirement funds, the CPF Board is the ideal agency to manage the trust contributions - at minimum cost, while providing the best possible returns.

Furthermore, this will be consistent with the CPF's Special Needs Savings Scheme (SNSS), meant for parents to provide for the long-term care of their disabled children.

Any SNSS disbursement can also be paid directly into the trust, rather than to the disabled person, which would require the appointment of a deputy.

The SNTC and SNSS are both steps in the right direction in providing for the long-term care and needs of people with disabilities, very much in keeping with the Government's move towards a more inclusive and caring society.

Madusoodanan Janardanan Pillai