27 Feb 2026
Committee of Supply Debate 2026, Ministry of Law
The Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals (CDRT) serve as an avenue of last resort for neighbour disputes. Between 2020 and 2024, only 1,031 claims were filed, a fraction of the 2,500 neighbour dispute cases reported monthly. Having observed residents attempting to navigate this process, I have seen how digital and financial requirements can be a deterrence, and could account for the relatively low utilisation of this channel.
The mandatory Pre-Filing Assessment requires a 17-question checklist where the system repeatedly persuades applicants to seek alternative channels. For residents who have already exhausted these channels, such persistent redirections can be frustrating.
Completing the five-part form is equally taxing. Residents who do not know their neighbour’s name must pay $5.25 at the Integrated Land Information Service portal before even paying the $150 filing fee. The English-only interface and the assumption that all residents can manage PDF downloads and digital evidence create massive barriers for those with lower digital literacy.
How many individuals has the State Courts Service Hub assisted to successfully file applications in each of the last three years? Will the Ministry consider reducing the initial filing fee to $20, with only the unsuccessful party paying the remaining $130?