MOF seeks public feedback on Budget 2018

The Ministry of Finance (MOF) has announced that it is seeking views and suggestions from Singaporeans in preparation for Budget 2018.

MOF in its open call, states that individuals, households, and businesses are welcome to provide feedback on issues such as how Singapore businesses can compete, how Singaporeans can seize new opportunities, how they can care for and support one another, and how future needs are planned for.

It added that the MOF’s Budget website is now online as well for the public to access latest updates on Budget 2018, as well as general information on the Singapore national budget process.

The public can provide views through various channels made available by the ministry and supporting bodies.

Starting from Monday, 4 December 2017, Singaporeans can visit the REACH Pre-Budget 2018 microsite to submit their views.

The six-week feedback exercise will conclude on Friday, 12 January 2018.

MOF said that during the feedback period, REACH will organise nine Pre-Budget 2018 Listening Points across Singapore. These Listening Points are easily accessible, open booths for Singaporeans to give their views in person.

Details of the Listening Points are below:

REACH will also organise a Pre-Budget 2018 Conversation with members of the public on Tuesday (5 December), saying that the Conversation will be hosted by Ms Indranee Rajah, Senior Minister of State in the Ministry of Law and Ministry of Finance, and Mr Sam Tan, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Manpower, REACH Chairman.

A Pre-Budget Facebook Q&A session has been planned for Thursday (4 January 2018) from 8.00 pm to 9.00 pm.

Members of the public are welcome to join in the chat hosted on the REACH Facebook page. The Q&A will be chaired by Mr Liang Eng Hwa, Chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) for Finance and Trade & Industry, and a member of the REACH Supervisory Panel, and by Ms Cheryl Chan, a member of the GPC for Finance and Trade & Industry.

In addition, the Ministry said that Singaporeans can give their views and suggestions for the coming Budget 2018 via the following channels:

Minister for Finance Mr Heng Swee Keat said, “Budget 2018 provides a good opportunity for us to review Singapore’s progress and to chart a path into the future. Our investments in education, health care and in our neighbourhoods enable our people to have a higher quality of life. ”

“We are enhancing Government support and building stronger community networks to better care for and support one another. We will also continue to invest in our economic transformation and infrastructure, so that Singaporeans can benefit from Asia’s growth and technological progress. We must plan ahead – to restructure the economy, create good jobs and build a sense of community. I welcome all to join in this conversation. Let’s build an endearing home and a vibrant city, and create a better future together,” he added.