Story by Shukry Rashid
Photos: Steven Poh/OTCi
The Singapore Budget 2018 is expected to be delivered on 19 February by Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat in Parliament.
The Labour Movement held a pre-Budget dialogue on 1 February 2018 at the NTUC Centre to engage over 200 union leaders, U Associate and management partners. The dialogue was an opportunity for NTUC Secretary-General Chan Chun Sing to collect feedback from union leaders and partners about various concerns they had about Budget 2018.
At the dialogue, he highlighted that the Government is planning for Singapore’s future, not just for the current term of government.
“This is not about ourselves. This is not about this year. This is about our future, our children’s future and our country’s in the next 30 to 50 years,” said Mr Chan.
While addressing Singaporeans’ concerns about the tax hikes that may be announced during Budget 2018, Mr Chan assured that the Government would not increase taxes without Singaporeans – especially the needy – in mind.
He said that, to be prepared for the future, Singapore has to tighten its belt. He added: “Spend wisely, and spend only when it’s needed. How do we make sure that we don’t pass on the debt to the next generation?”
Healthcare
Mr Chan said that with the ageing population, the Government’s expenditure on healthcare is expected to increase as well. Currently, there are 450,000 Singaporeans and permanent residents who are above 65 years old. This number is set to double to 900,000 by 2030.
With the ageing population and war on chronic illnesses, coupled with the increasing life expectancy which was at 82.6 years old in 2015, expenditure on healthcare will remain one of Singapore’s priorities for the foreseeable future.
Labour Movement’s 2018 Priorities
The Labour Movement and its extended network have also charted key priorities for 2018 to address the needs of all working people while working with the Government. Click here to find out about its key priorities for 2018.
