During the first day of the Budget Debate on Feb 24, Member of Parliament (MP) for Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC David Hoe drew flak after calling for “jumbo Build-To-Order (BTO) flats” for families that are committed to having more children.<\/p>\n
If Singapore wants couples to start family planning early, he said, the flats they choose “can influence their decision.”<\/p>\n
Mr Hoe proposed introducing what he termed “jumbo BTO flats” for families that commit to having more children. These flats, he said, would “mimic a larger format of HDB units” could be “thoughtfully designed for modern family needs.”<\/p>\n
Possible layouts could include an additional bedroom separate from the main living quarters to accommodate domestic helpers, as well as improved soundproofing for children.<\/p>\n
‘Additional subsidies, but with clear conditions’<\/h3>\n
Mr Hoe added that these flats could be priced similarly to smaller-sized units through “additional subsidies, but with clear conditions.”<\/p>\n
One eligibility criterion he suggested would require couples to commit to having two or more children within the first five to seven years of the minimum occupation period (MOP) after key collection.<\/p>\n
Should families fail to meet these conditions, Mr Hoe said there should be a “clear and fair downsizing pathway with subsidy clawbacks.”<\/p>\n
However, Mr Hoe stressed that the authorities should be “reasonable in exceptions” for cases such as medical fertility issues or relationship challenges.<\/p>\n
He also clarified that Singapore had not previously implemented a “bigger home for bigger families housing scheme”, linking larger families to additional subsidies for having more children.<\/p>\n
Thus, he noted that his proposal would need to be “tested”.<\/p>\n
‘Bigger flats won’t solve our low birth rate’<\/h3>\n
Mr Hoe’s proposal drew online criticism, with many arguing that it would not address Singapore’s low birth rate.<\/p>\n
“Bigger flats won’t solve our low birth rate,” a commenter said, while many questioned how couples can realistically “commit” to such a significant obligation.<\/p>\n
“How about only those who currently have three or more children can apply [sic]? It shouldn’t be for those who plan to have three or more children,” one wrote.<\/p>\n
However, others supported Mr Hoe’s suggestion, calling it a “very good idea” as it would “incentivise” residents to have more children.<\/p>\n
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