Families that have Benefited from Home Ownership Plus Education Scheme
Ministry of Social and Family DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the number of families assisted by the Home Ownership Plus Education (HOPE) scheme and the specific types of support provided to these households. Minister of State Sun Xueling stated that approximately 3,400 families have benefited from the program as of 31 December 2022. She highlighted that benefits include training and employment incentives, conditional housing and utilities grants, education bursaries, mentoring, and family planning incentives. Following a query from Mr Gan Thiam Poh regarding program retention, Minister of State Sun Xueling confirmed that some beneficiaries have exited the scheme halfway. The discussion focused on the policy's multifaceted approach to providing financial and social stability through various targeted grants and support services.
Transcript
22 Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for Social and Family Development to date, how many families have benefited from the Home Ownership Plus Education scheme.
The Minister of State for Social and Family Development (Ms Sun Xueling) (for the Minister for Social and Family Development): Mr Deputy Speaker, as of 31 December 2022, around 3,400 families have benefited from the Home Ownership Plus Education (HOPE) scheme.
Mr Deputy Speaker: Mr Gan.
Mr Gan Thiam Poh (Ang Mo Kio): I thank the Minister of State for the reply. I just want to understand this programme. So far, what are the things that the families have benefited so far among all these applicants that —
Mr Deputy Speaker: I think Mr Gan is asking what the families have benefited so far from these programmes. Have I heard you correctly, Mr Gan?
Mr Gan Thiam Poh: Yes, correct. Thank you.
Ms Sun Xueling: I thank the Member for his supplementary question. It goes beyond his original question, but I would just like to share, with this opportunity, that the benefits include training incentives, employment incentives, conditional housing grant, utilities grant, education bursaries, mentoring and family support as well as family planning incentives.
Mr Deputy Speaker: Mr Gan.
Mr Gan Thiam Poh: Thank you. I have a further question. Are there people who actually withdraw from this scheme halfway?
Mr Deputy Speaker: Minister of State, did you hear that? You did, okay. I was wondering if you are finding it a bit difficult to hear.
Ms Sun Xueling: I thank the Member for his supplementary question. Again, it goes beyond the Member's original question but I would like to share that, indeed, there are beneficiaries who have exited the scheme.