AN OVERVIEW OF TOWN COUNCILS IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

By the end of 1991, the third and final phase of Town Council formation was completed. Today, all public housing are managed by Town Councils. There are twenty-three Town Councils, nineteen under the ruling party (People's Action Party), the other four are under opposition parties. The Town Councils in opposition wards are made up on single constituency, managing not more than 10,000 residential units (with the exception of Nee Soon Town Council). The size of the other nineteen Town Councils is generally larger with the smallest of 10,338 by Holland Town Council and largest of 68,834 by the Eunos Pasir Ris Town Council. This study assessed the styles of management and operation of the Town Councils. The advantages and disadvantages of councils managed by a managing agent as against those with self management are discussed. The efficiency of a Town Council can be judged by its financial management. The assessment of the Town Councis is also extended to how they sourced their funds and how the money is spent amongst the various activities.