In a massive public consultation exercise, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) of Singapore has sought views and suggestions from the people in preparation for the Budget 2018. People can provide their suggestions through various channels.
In a press release, MOF said, “Individuals, households, and businesses are welcome to provide feedback on issues such as how our businesses can compete, how our people can seize new opportunities, how we care for and support one another, and how we plan for future needs.”
Ministry of Finance 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.
Heng Swee Keat, Minister for Finance of Singapore, said, “Budget 2018 provides a good opportunity for us to review Singapore’s progress and to chart a path into the future.”
People of Singapore can provide views through various channels. They can visit the REACH Pre-Budget 2018 microsite to submit their views. The six-week feedback exercise will conclude on January 12, 2018.
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. Locations of these listening points can be found on REACH's website.
In addition to this, REACH will also organise a Pre-Budget 2018 conversation with members of the public on December 5. The conversation will be hosted by Indranee Rajah, Senior Minister of State in the Ministry of Law and Ministry of Finance, and Sam Tan, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Manpower. Mr Sam Tan is also REACH Chairman.
Further, a Pre-Budget Facebook Q&A session has been planned on January 4, 2018 from 8.00pm to 9.00pm where members of the public can join in the chat hosted on the REACH Facebook page.
In addition, Singaporeans can give their views and suggestions for the coming Budget 2018 online, including through the Singapore Budget Website, the REACH Discussion Forum, the REACH Budget microsite, REACH Singapore Facebook page, REACH email address (reach@reach.gov.sg) and REACH Toll-free Hotline 1800-353-5555 (Mon to Fri, 8:30am – 5:45pm).
Keat added, “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 concluded.