Singaporeans Approaching Credit Counselling Singapore for Assistance in Past Three Years and Adequacy of Resources and Capabilities Available

61 Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) whether there has been an increase in Singaporeans seeking credit counselling assistance via Credit Counselling Singapore over the past three years; and (b) whether the resources and capabilities of credit counselling services can be enhanced.

Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai: Credit Counselling Singapore ("CCS"), a charity registered under the Charities Act, seeks to promote responsible use of credit and provide help to debt-distressed individuals. Between 2019 to 2021, CCS has not seen any observable increase in borrowers seeking assistance. The following table shows the number of borrowers counselled by CCS over the last three years:

As the charity regulator, the Commissioner of Charities provides broad support to charities via the Charities Capability Fund (CCF) to enhance their productivity, operational efficiency, as well as governance and management capabilities. Grants under the CCF include, among others, the Shared Services Grant and Info-Communications Technology (ICT) Grant. These grants help charities enhance productivity and operational efficiency by providing support in the outsourcing of corporate functions and the adopting of digital solutions. This will allow charities, including CCS, to direct more resources towards carrying out their charitable activities and serving the public.