As we approach the last quarter of the year, there is plenty of good news this October.
For a start, up to a million Singaporeans will now benefit from higher healthcare subsidies due to an increase in the monthly per capita household income (PCHI) threshold for means-tested healthcare services.
Take a hospital stay, for instance. With these changes, individuals with a PCHI of up to $2,100 (up from $1,500) will now qualify for the maximum subsidy of 80% if they stay in a B2 or C ward in public hospitals. The increased PCHI also means that more Singaporeans will now be eligible for the Blue Chas (Community Health Assist Scheme) card, MediShield Life, and home care subsidies.
In addition, more than 950,000 Singaporean HDB households will also receive their U-Save and service and conservancy charges (S&CC) rebates this month. This is a direct transfer to help Singaporeans where it will help the most, in everyday household costs.
Alongside that, lower energy and fuel costs have led to a fall in gas and electricity tariffs. As a result, households can expect an average savings of $3/ month on their electricity bills for the next three months.
In a video reassuring Singaporeans about the cost of living, Prime Minister (PM) Lawrence Wong shared that the government will provide more help in the coming months. They include another $300 in CDC vouchers for every household and up to $600 in cash payouts for every Singaporean.
Slowly but surely, global inflation is easing. Prices of many goods are coming down. In July, Singapore’s core inflation fell to its lowest (2.5%) over two years and will continue to moderate. The cost-of-living pressure that has affected many countries worldwide, including Singapore, is starting to ease.
However, the PAP government recognises that the cost-of-living pressure will continue to be a concern. That is why, rather than leave things to chance, the PAP and its MPs have stepped up, using a blend of policies and community initiatives to ensure that lower—and middle-income Singaporeans are cushioned from the impact of inflation.
Taken together, the higher healthcare subsidies, utility bill rebates and GST vouchers form part of a comprehensive package that provides targeted help to the more vulnerable groups. As PM Wong has said, “We cannot control global prices, but we can, and we have mitigated the impact on Singaporeans.”
“My team and I will do everything we can to help you get through this difficult period,” PM Wong added.
That is precisely what is happening as PAP MPs rally their communities to provide hyper-local help.
In West Coast GRC, MP Desmond Lee has launched West Coast FoodCares, distributing food packs and essential household items to support households needing extra help.
Over at East Coast GRC, MP Tan Kiat How has started a new initiative to help his residents stretch their dollars. Called Gd Lobangs@Kampong Chai Chee, the program will benefit around 5,000 residents and provide them with discounts at participating eateries.
Meanwhile, Marine Parade GRC has pioneered their very own Marine Parade Family Vouchers. Like the CDC Vouchers, eligible families living in Marine Parade can redeem S$200 worth of vouchers, which they can use at participating businesses in their neighbourhood.
“We are committed to taking care of our residents. This pilot initiative is one of the efforts we are putting in place to support sandwich class families in Marine Parade,” said MP Dr Tan See Leng.
And the list of initiatives goes beyond the abovementioned GRCs. All over Singapore, PAP MPs and volunteers are kickstarting ground-up efforts to complement nationwide policies and support their communities.
As PM Wong has said, “Together, we can keep the cost of living stable and improve the lives of all Singaporeans.”
Photo Source: Lawrence Wong/ Desmond Lee/ Dr Tan See Leng/ Tan Kiat How via Facebook
