Take-up Rate of Lift Access Housing Grant
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the take-up rate of the Lift Access Housing Grant (LHG) and whether the scheme should be expanded for residents in blocks where the Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP) is not feasible. Minister for National Development Desmond Lee noted that while LUP has benefitted the vast majority of blocks, approximately 150 remain where implementation is restricted by costs or technical constraints. To assist these residents, the LHG provides up to $30,000 for those with medical or mobility issues to purchase a new or resale flat with direct lift access. As of August 2020, 17 applications have been received, with seven approved and 10 currently being assessed. While there are no current plans for expansion, the government will monitor the take-up rate to determine if future enhancements are required.
Transcript
50 Mr Liang Eng Hwa asked the Minister for National Development what has been the take-up rate of the Lift Access Housing Grant so far and whether there is a need to expand the scheme for residents in estates where the Lift Upgrading Programme is not feasible.
Mr Desmond Lee: The Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP) was launched in 2001 to provide direct lift access to flats and enhance convenience for residents, especially the elderly and less mobile. At the start of the programme, there were more than 5,300 HDB blocks without full direct lift access.
Over the years, HDB has adopted innovative technical solutions to provide such blocks with direct lift access. Through these efforts, the vast majority of the 5,300 blocks have since been able to benefit from LUP. Currently, there remain about 150 blocks where it is still not possible to implement LUP due to prohibitive costs, or existing technical constraints.
While we will continue to explore possible ways to bring direct lift access to these blocks, we know that some residents may urgently need direct lift access due to medical or mobility issues. In March this year, we therefore introduced the Lift access Housing Grant (LHG) of up to $30,000, to help those with medical or mobility issues buy a new or resale HDB flat with direct lift access.
As at August 2020, HDB has received 17 applications for the LHG and approved seven. The remaining 10 applications are being assessed.
We do not have plans to expand the LHG at this point in time. Nevertheless, we will continue to monitor the take up rate and review if enhancements are required.