THE Chua Chu Kang Town Council (CCKTC) has maintained the same service and conservancy (S&C) charge model since 2003, back when it was known as Hong Kah Town Council ("Differentiate S&C fees for households" by Mr Loong Chik Tong; last Thursday).

The difference between the rates for Singaporean residents and permanent residents (PRs) is due to grants given by the Government for HDB four-room flats and those that are smaller.

The town council receives this grant and returns the corresponding savings to the Singaporean households in terms of lower S&C charges.

The town council does not receive any grants for five-room and executive HDB flats, and therefore, the rates are kept the same for flats owned by both Singaporeans and PRs.

The amount of government grants a town council receives depends greatly on the properties being managed.

The age, profile, facilities and amenities provided in each town are different, and the town council determines its charges based on the needs and financial position of its residents.

Currently, there is no guideline or standard policy on S&C fee models.

CCKTC will be pleased to consider if there is a consistent policy adopted by all town councils, or one which is regulated by the Government.

Ian Tan Hanhonn

Corporate Communications Manager

Chua Chu Kang Town Council