# Update on the Development of a Code of Governance for Town Councils

- **Source:** Ministry of National Development
- **Published:** 2018-02-07T04:00:00.000Z
- **Author:** Ministry of National Development
- **Original:** https://www.mnd.gov.sg/newsroom/press-releases/view/update-on-the-development-of-a-code-of-governance-for-town-councils
- **Topics:** Government & Policy

## Featured rationale

A comply-or-explain framework may strengthen town councils' fiduciary practices and accountability, potentially improving governance of funds used to operate and maintain housing estates.

## AI summary

MND appointed EY and an Advisory Panel to develop a Town Council governance code for public consultation, targeting introduction by early the following year.

## Original article

At the passing of the Town Councils (Amendment) Bill in March 2017, MND had shared that it would be working with the Town Councils (TCs) to develop a Code of Governance (“Code”) for TCs. The Code will set out principles of good governance and highlight best practices that can guide the TCs in better executing their fiduciary responsibilities and improving accountability. TCs will be encouraged to adopt these practices through a comply-or-explain regime. 

MND has appointed Ernst & Young Advisory Pte Ltd (EY) to assist MND in developing the draft Code. Besides providing expertise on governance best practices, EY will be engaging the TCs to better understand their current governance practices and operations, so as to develop a Code that is relevant for the TCs. 

MND has also appointed an Advisory Panel, comprising experienced academics, governance experts and industry practitioners, to advise MND on the development and implementation of the Code. The Panel will provide expert views and perspectives on the governance principles and practices which the TCs can adopt, taking into consideration the TCs’ operating context. The list of Panel members is included in the Annex.

MND will be seeking the public’s feedback on the draft Code in the second half of this year, with a view to introduce the Code by early next year. Implementation details will be shared at a later stage.

## Chinese translation

> Translation model: grok_cli

### 市镇理事会治理守则制定最新进展

在2017年3月《市镇理事会（修正）法案》通过时，国家发展部曾表示将与各市镇理事会合作，为市镇理事会制定一套《治理守则》（“守则”）。该守则将阐明良好治理原则，并突出可指导市镇理事会更好地履行信托责任、提升问责的最佳实践。将通过“遵守或解释”制度鼓励市镇理事会采纳这些做法。

国家发展部已委任Ernst & Young Advisory Pte Ltd（EY）协助国家发展部起草守则。除提供治理最佳实践方面的专长外，EY将与各市镇理事会接触，以更好了解其现有治理实践与运作，从而制定与市镇理事会相关的守则。

国家发展部亦已委任一个咨询小组，成员包括经验丰富的学者、治理专家与业界从业者，就守则的制定与实施向国家发展部提供建议。小组将在考虑市镇理事会运作背景的前提下，就市镇理事会可采纳的治理原则与实践提供专家意见与视角。小组成员名单载于附件。

国家发展部将于今年下半年就守则草案征求公众意见，以期于明年初推出守则。实施细节将于稍后阶段公布。