Every February, the Government announces its Budget for the year ahead, an important topic that affects Singaporeans of all ages.
Before Budget 2020 approaches, Singaporeans can have a chance to help the Government understand their needs better by providing feedback.
The Ministry of Finance, along with government feedback arm Reach and the People’s Association (PA), is currently seeking public feedback with a focus on these areas:
- Security and external relations – What can be done to enhance Singapore’s security against threats of terrorism and cyber warfare?
- Business growth amidst economic uncertainties – What challenges are businesses facing amidst economic uncertainties and the ongoing US-China trade tensions, and what would help businesses compete better?
- Employment and training – What are the barriers for workers to take up training, or for employers to send their workers for training?
- Support for families – How well are existing schemes, such as the Proximity Housing Grant, Married Child Priority Scheme and tax reliefs for topping up the Central Provident Fund accounts of family members, helping families? How can they be improved?
- Support for seniors – How can the Government provide more support to seniors who are continuing employment?
The Budget 2020 feedback phase is now open until 10 January 2020.
Singaporeans who want to give their feedback can visit the Reach Budget 2020 microsite to fill up an online feedback form.
Alternatively, there will also be physical kiosks and booths available in over 20 locations around the island, such as Toa Payoh HDB Hub, for those who wish to provide feedback in person.
PA will be organising 25 ‘Ask Kopi Kakis’ sessions in neighbourhoods like Pasir Ris, Woodlands, Sengkang and Toa Payoh, to gather feedback between 8 December and 5 January.
Reach will also set up ‘Listening Point’ booths islandwide to receive feedback.
The first two Listening Points are taking place on 4 December at Toa Payoh Hub Atrium and 12 December, outside Ocean Financial Centre at Raffles Place.
To kickstart the call for public feedback, 120 members of the public will be attending a Pre-Budget 2020 Conversation on 3 December 2019 with Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Finance and Education.
For more information, visit the Singapore Budget Website or the Reach Budget 2020 microsite.
Featured Image Credit: Investzine