Subsidies for Addition and Alteration Works for HDB Flats with Multi-step Entrances
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns whether subsidies for Addition and Alteration works will be extended to HDB flats with multi-step entrances under the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme. Mr Pritam Singh inquired about the availability of these subsidies and the number of households requiring such modifications to install accessibility solutions. Minister for National Development Desmond Lee clarified that while EASE provides heavily subsidised items like ramps and wheelchair lifters, minor Addition and Alteration works are considered renovation and are not subsidised. Flat owners who cannot afford these works may be referred to Social Service Organisations for financial assistance. The Minister noted that the need for these works is determined through HDB site assessments based on specific layout constraints and site conditions.
Transcript
107 Mr Pritam Singh asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether the Ministry will extend subsidies specifically for Addition and Alteration works to households that have multi-step entrances to their HDB flats after these households apply for ramps or access solutions under the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme; and (b) how many HDB flats with multi-step entrances currently will require Addition and Alteration works to facilitate the installation of such solutions.
Mr Desmond Lee: Currently, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) offers a range of accessibility solutions under the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme. Since April 2023, EASE has been expanded to offer a greater range of accessibility solutions that are heavily subsidised by the Government. These include portable ramps, customised ramps, as well as wheelchair lifters for those who face constraints with installing or using a ramp.
For certain flat designs and layouts, minor Addition and Alteration works may be needed to facilitate the installation of a ramp or wheelchair lifter at the flat’s main entrance. Such flats are usually on the ground floor and have more than three steps at the entrance.
Minor Addition and Alteration works may entail modifications to the steps or railing at the flat’s entrance. These works are akin to renovation works to be undertaken by the flat owner and are not subsidised under the EASE programme. If the flat owner is unable to afford the cost of such works, HDB may help to refer the owner to a Social Service Organisation for financial assistance.
The need for minor works to facilitate the installation of accessibility solutions under the EASE programme depends on site conditions and can only be determined after HDB conducts a site assessment at the flat.
HDB will continue to explore solutions to improve the accessibility of flats.