Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, Minister for Social and Family Development, giving out vouchers to needy residents in Bedok (Photo: BBTC)
SINGAPORE: The Government’s social expenditure in areas such as housing, healthcare, education and community development almost tripled from S$12.7 billion in financial year 2006 to S$34 billion in FY2016, revealed Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat on Thu (Mar 2).
“We introduced major schemes to open up multiple pathways to success for all, provide assurance in key areas of need and strengthen social safety nets,” said Mr Heng in his round-up speech after three days of Budget debates.
“In education, we significantly enhanced the quality, affordability and accessibility for all across all levels, from preschool to tertiary. In housing, we increased housing supply and housing subsidies. In healthcare, we enhanced Government subsidies across all care settings,” he described.
“We will continue to refine our social policies and study new ideas and suggestions.”
Mr Heng then emphasised the importance of community, noting. “Even the strongest social safety nets are no substitute for the caring hearts and helpful hands of neighbours.
“The Government will do more by helping to create the right supportive environment to encourage community efforts where everyone plays a part,” he said.
He noted that that the Community Network for Seniors has reached out to more than 15,000 senior citizens or 40 per cent of seniors in Singapore via its three pilot sites.
Acknowledging a growing spirit of enterprise in the social sector, Mr Heng said: “I hope that over time, there’ll be more enterprising Singaporeans in community organisations that start ground-up initiatives and make significant social impact.
“Last year, we introduced Our Singapore Fund and piloted the Business and IPC (Institution of a Public Character) Partnership scheme to encourage more businesses to organise their employees with volunteers and provide services to IPCs.”
Budget 2017 provides additional funding through the Voluntary Welfare Organisations Charities Capability Fund (VCF) to support such efforts, he said. “By building many overlapping networks of community self-help and Government support, we build a more caring and inclusive society and one resilient to weather change in whatever forms it takes.”
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