MPs open Budget debate seeking details on skills upgrading, unemployment support schemes

The first day of the Budget debate saw 29 MPs speak on the Government’s spending plans for the upcoming financial year.

The continuation of temporary schemes such as CDC vouchers prompted MPs such as Mr Louis Chua and Mr Lim Biow Chuan to raise concerns about fiscal sustainability, while Progress Singapore Party Non-Constituency MP Leong Mun Wai proposed a streamlined, permanent scheme approach in place of what he called a “patchwork” of vouchers, rebates and top-ups.Lower-wage workers in manual trades are crucial to Singapore’s clean, safe and green living environment, said Nominated MP Raj Joshua Thomas.

“We recognise this increase in as a step closer to the minimum living wage concept that PSP has proposed.” He proposed a multi-tier approach to unemployment support, which includes risk-pooling through insurance, sufficient government assistance, as well as instilling personal responsibility by allowing people to choose to have their housing loans frozen for a limited time to help with cash flow.

These are part of the new SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme unveiled by DPM Wong, which also includes up to $3,000 a month in allowances for workers aged 40 and above who undergo full-time training. Mr David supported the Government’s move to allow single Singaporeans above the age of 55 to claim a refund of the additional buyer’s stamp duty on their second private property when they downsize. This would help them better meet their retirement needs, he said.

He highlighted the need for measures to protect Singaporeans from AI-driven job redundancy, and suggested that the use of SkillsFuture credits be allowed for subscriptions to AI-based tools to support hands-on learning. He also highlighted residents’ concerns about accessing emergency funds from the Retirement Account, which has less flexibility than the SA.

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