Relook allocating subsidies by housing size

The Government policy to provide subsidies to households based on housing type and size needs to be re-examined ("HDB households to get extra help"; Feb 21).

This policy assumes that those who stay in bigger homes or landed properties are rich and those living in smaller ones are poorer.

While this may have been true in the past, the changing socio-economic landscape over the years has blurred the line on the distribution of household wealth.

In the case of HDB flats, it is not uncommon to see residents driving expensive cars.

Most have maids, and some even own private properties.

There are also many who have better-paid jobs than those in private homes.

Those living in landed homes, are not necessarily wealthy.

For example, some could have bought their homes years ago, some could have inherited the houses from their parents, and some of them have retired over the years.

The better and fairer criterion is to simply use household income to allocate subsidies, regardless of household type and size.

This will level the field for all Singaporeans.

Tan Kah Kiong

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on February 25, 2017, with the headline Relook allocating subsidies by housing size. Subscribe