Power to Review and Reduce
HDB officers examine new paths to progress and innovation.


Serving the public, and serving them better, is an integral part of the core mission of any Government agency. Where can improvements be sought? How can service standards be improved? What processes can be streamlined?

At the Housing & Development Board (HDB), the quest for continual improvement is ceaseless. For instance, some changes to the rules and procedures involved in applying for and renewing HDB season parking tickets will soon be implemented. This will benefit the large group of car owners who park their cars in HDB estates.


Participants come together in a huddle to strive for improvement

The topic was recently discussed at HDB’s latest Public Officers Working to Eliminate Red Tape (POWER) session. This is a regular discussion platform aimed at jolting participants out of their regular mindsets and re-looking ways to eliminate red tape and redundant rules.

As a major part of the PS21 efforts, the Cut Red Tape movement seeks to make public services more convenient and effective to the very public and businesses which Government policies are designed to help.

POWER to HDB

HDB’s latest POWER session saw 35 participants sharing their views and feedback. They provided suggestions on possible improvements to streamline rules and processes regarding season parking at HDB carparks.

Unlike an earlier session, which only involved HDB staff, this latest POWER session also roped in HDB residents, grassroots leaders and business partners to give their thoughts. The brainstorming from different angles, with different priorities and concerns in mind, led ultimately to a very fruitful discussion of ideas.

Following a productive exchange of views, the panel, chaired by HDB Chief Executive Officer Tay Kim Poh, decided on the spot which rules could be relaxed.


(L-R) Mr Quah Choo Seng, Mr Leong Chin Yew, Ms Tan Poh Hong, Mr Tay Kim Poh, Mr Tan Kim Chwee, Mr Eng Soh Seng deliberating over the suggestions

Upcoming Changes

Here are two changes that car owners can look forward to in the 3rd quarter of 2009.

1. Application of season parking tickets

Current
  • Motorists are allocated different booking dates (from the 11th, 18th or 21st of the month) for the purchase of season parking for the following month.
Coming Up...
  • First vehicle owners can purchase tickets from the 1st of the month for the following month.

2. Renewal of season parking tickets

Current
  • Once-a-month GIRO deduction from the season parking ticket holder’s bank account.
Coming Up...
  • A second GIRO deduction date for each month.

HDB’s Deputy Director (Car Parks) Eng Soh Seng, from the Housing Administration Department, said, “Changing times means that there is a need to review and impose fewer rules in a less prescriptive manner, while still retaining high quality services.” He added that the POWER session was a “good platform” for them to get feedback from the public.