Only 1,840 on public assistance who are not in shelter homes?

Photo: businesstimes.com.sg

June 12, 2017

I refer to the article “Homes of last resort” (Straits Times, Jun 12).

It states that “The number of residents in these homes has been stable – between 1,880 and 1,960 each year – for the past five years.”

Are the destitutes housed in these homes counted in the ComCare Public Assistance scheme statistics?

If so, does it mean that the number on public assistance who are not destitutes living in these homes may only be about 1,840 households (3,800 – 1,960)?

Lowest ratio of Public Assistance to population in the world?

Singapore’s ratio of PA receipients relative to the population may be one of the lowest in the world.

Leong Sze Hian

About the Author

Leong

Leong Sze Hian has served as the president of 4 professional bodies, honorary consul of 2 countries, an alumnus of Harvard University, authored 4 books, quoted over 1500 times in the media , has been a radio talkshow host, a newspaper daily columnist, Wharton Fellow, SEACeM Fellow, columnist for theonlinecitizen and Malaysiakini, executive producer of Ilo Ilo (40 international awards), Hotel Mumbai (associate producer), invited to speak more than 200 times in about 40 countries, CIFA advisory board member, founding advisor to the Financial Planning Associations of 2 countries. He has 3 Masters, 2 Bachelors degrees and 13 professional qualifications.