By MP for Punggol East SMC, Lee Li Lian
[Delivered in Committee of Supply on 12 March 2015]
Sir, I have repeatedly brought this up in COS since 2013.
Currently,
– Single parents below the age of 35 and their child do not qualify as a family nucleus when applying for a new HDB flat or rental flat. They are also not eligible for any housing subsidies.
– Single parent are not entitled to certain tax reliefs
– Single parents are not entitled to baby bonus and CDA support
– Single mothers are only entitled to 8 weeks of paid maternity leave.
– Single fathers are not entitled to paternity leave at all
I am bringing this up again, because I think the state should recognize them as parents regardless of their marital status. Their parental responsibilities and their children’s needs are the same. As a parent, I am grateful for the much-needed support I get from my spouse and parents. I cannot imagine how difficult it is for single parents who may not have any support and cannot even take the same amount of leave as other parents to take care of their children. This is not about encouraging more single parents, but ensuring better and fair support for the children who have been born to them.
Sir, I find it ridiculous that we are even discussing this. Today, we are penalizing children by denying their single parents the ability to support and care for them. Once again, I want to urge the Ministry to consider equalizing these entitlements.