South West CDC launches fund of more than $10 million to support families in the South West District

South West Community Development Council will launch a fund of more than $10 million at the South West CDC Appreciation and Appointment Ceremony 2023 to support residents with the rising cost of living. The fund will be launched by Mr Gan Kim Yong, Minister for Trade and Industry and Ms Low Yen Ling, Mayor of South West District, as the CDC appoints its new 9^th Council on 27 October 2023. The fund is expected to benefit about 25,000 residents in the South West District per year, covering key areas of education, food and meals, social mobility, transport & mobility, and utilities, over the next 3 years.

2        Among the initiatives to be rolled out in 2024 is a $5.5 million South West Family Support Programme to help residents with education and grocery expenses. The South West Family Support Programme aims to empower and uplift families by helping residents defray cost in two areas, namely, education and grocery. Under the programme, identified low-income families in the South West District will be supported with Book vouchers and Supermarket vouchers based on their needs.  

3        To ensure that more residents from lower-income households are able to get help, the South West CDC will also be expanding the PCHI of the local assistance schemes from $875 to $1,000. The review of the PCHI is timely in face of the rising costs of living and price hikes. The quantum of the schemes will also be reviewed based on needs in the community.

4        Minister Gan Kim Yong said, “The higher cost of living has impacted Singaporeans, especially residents from the lower-income households.  As we navigate challenges of the post-pandemic world amidst an uncertain economy and global tensions, it is crucial that we stay united as one community. The $10 million fund will lighten the load of families by defraying their daily expenses.  With the expansion of eligibility criteria, we hope to also benefit more residents during these trying times. I look forward to working closely with the 9th Council Term to build a more resilient and caring South West District.”

5        “Many lower-income families struggling with cost-of-living concerns need additional help. We’re boosting our war chest of financial assistance to ensure no one gets left behind. Part of the $10 million fund will go to the South West Family Support Programme to support vulnerable households with book and supermarket vouchers. By helping them meet their daily necessities and education needs, we hope to lighten their load and reduce their worries. In addition, we have broadened the qualifying criteria for assistance to $1,000 per capita household income (PCHI) to widen our ringfence and bring more needy residents under our care. We know every bit helps. The CDC appreciates how the community and CDC members have rallied behind our needy residents in such trying times,” said Mayor Low.

6        The ceremony will see the CDC appointing its 9^th Council, which will take over the reins from the 8^th council. The 9^th Council comprises leaders in the public, private and people sectors, which reflects the CDC’s commitment to aggregate resources, build capabilities and connect communities. The CDC will harness the vast experience and diverse expertise of its members, to come up with innovative and relevant solutions to meet emerging needs in the community.