Work of Town Councils

Functions

• Town Councils control, manage, maintain and improve the common property of HDB residential flats and commercial property within the Town. Common property includes corridors, void decks, lifts, water tanks, public lighting and open spaces.
  
  
• Examples of work undertaken by Town Councils:
  

  a. Cleaning works to maintain estate hygiene
  Sweeping of lift cars, lift lobbies, void decks, corridors, surroundings of HDB blocks and open spaces	Refuse collection and block washing
  b. Routine maintenance works to ensure proper upkeep of property and the living environment
  Maintenance of mechanical and electrical services such as lifts, pumps and lighting Building maintenance, horticulture maintenance and grass cutting works
  c. Cyclical maintenance works to manage wear and tear over time
  Re-roofing and repainting of HDB blocks, cyclical replacement of lifts
  d. Estate improvement works to improve the living environment
  Facilities for barrier-free access Community gardens and fitness corners Covered linkways, precinct pavilions and sheltered drop-off points

  
  
  

Role of Town Councils vis-a-vis MND and HDB

Town Councils are led by elected MPs. In addition, Town Council Chairmen are appointed by the elected MPs of their respective towns. As autonomous entities, Town Councils also take charge of their respective day-to-day operations. 

MND sets the broad legislative framework and financial guidelines under the Town Councils Act and Town Council Financial Rules to ensure proper governance and accountability by Town Councils. As the public housing authority, HDB advises and assists MND in its regulatory duties. HDB also works closely with Town Councils in its capacity as the owner of common property in HDB estates.