Town Councils – The Singapore Experience.

Abstract

Current version: 26 May 2019 Abstract

Purpose: This paper provides insights into the social aspects of the town councils. The paper examines the residents’ satisfaction level with the town council services, under different political parties by their respective town councils (TCs).

Design/methodology/approach: Examination is conducted via available data from mass media and Town Council Management Reports (TCMR5) for deeper understanding of the respective TCs. A pilot survey is conducted with a smaller size of 60 respondents, to ensure correctness of the survey questions and that the respondents can understand the questions.. This paper involves the collection of primary and secondary data. Primary data comprises site visits to the respective TCs. The paper is concerned with ascertaining the housing finance model and assumes a commonality in terms of mortgage instruments, to be analyzed with household borrowers for the purchase of a single resale public or private housing.

Findings: This paper affirms the importance of the Members of Parliament’s (MPs) presence and interaction with residents owing to a positive correlation with residents’ level of satisfaction. MPs should note to have more interactions with residents. Financial analysis affirms the CPF’s role of improving loans affordability of loans to household borrowers. With additional CPF usage, the total interest paid over the loan life and affordability are significantly reduced. The CPF as a financial buffer can significantly reduce default risks for lender and household borrower.

Research limitations/implications: The main limitation is the political sensitivity of the topic. However, discrepancies are kept to as low as possible by allowing residents to take a neutral stand in the field survey.

Practical implications: Effectiveness of the TCs is based on residents’ satisfaction with TC services under different political parties. Their satisfaction pertains to different contributing factors under different political parties.

Social Implications: To support the survey, observations are made at two Meet-the-People Sessions (MPSs) at the AHTC and AMKTC respectively. Observations are meaningful in providing more insights on the perception of the MPs and the TCs.

Originality/value: Virtually no research of this nature has been undertaken.

Keywords: Singapore; Aljunied Hougang Town Council; Aljunied Hougang Punggol East Town Council; Ang Mo Kio Town Council; Workers’ Party; People’s Action Party; Members of Parliament; Resident Satisfaction; Meet-the-People Session; General Election; By-Election; Financial Analysis Model.