On the high rate of arrears for payment of service and conservancy charges (S&CC) by residents in Aljunied-Hougang-Punggol East Town Council (AHPETC), SMU Associate Professor of Law Eugene Tan said, “Assuming a uniform profile of HDB dwellers across the island, why does AHPETC have a much higher proportion of arrears?” he said. He added that a "compassionate, or more lenient, approach in collecting S&CC may impose an unfair burden on those who pay their dues in a timely manner... a pragmatic approach, while efficient, can come across as cold, administratively unforgiving.”