Debated in Parliament on 7 Nov 2023.
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Social and Family Development in light of how the Government takes into account socio-psychological needs for ComCare calculations (a) what is the source of the discrepancy between the Minimum Income Standard of $6,426 for a family with two children as published in the Minimum Income Standards Report 2023 and the ComCare Long-Term Assistance of $1,930 for a four-person household; and (b) how much of the discrepancy is due to differences in (i) the composition of the consumption basket used (ii) prices of components in the basket and (iii) household composition and consumption needs.
The Minimum Income Standards (MIS) study's estimates include more than the basic needs, which ComCare is meant to support. The Government issued a public statement on 14 September 2023 on the limitations of the MIS study and the Member can refer to the statement for further details.
PAPERCUTS