Cost of living — Topics

8 Mar 2018

Response to Leader's Statement on 6 March 2018

Sylvia Lim defended her suspicion that the government might raise the GST before 2021, citing public statements and speculation leading up to the 2018 Budget, and stated she would not retract her remarks or apologize.
The Leader of the House accused Lim of making unfounded allegations that tarnished ministers' reputations, urged her to retract and apologize, and warned of referring the matter to the Committee of Privileges.
Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat asserted that the government’s plans were clear and consistent, and called on Lim to withdraw her statements after reviewing the facts, which she declined to do.

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1 Mar 2018

Debate on Annual Budget Statement

The government outlined a fiscal strategy to address rising expenditures in healthcare, security, and preschools, financed through a planned GST increase from 2021–2025, prudent use of reserves, and borrowing for long-term infrastructure, while ensuring progressivity through offsets like the GST Voucher scheme.
Parliament debated the budget's alignment with shared values, with concerns raised about the GST hike's impact on lower- and middle-income households, the Wage Credit Scheme's extension, and the need for stronger partnerships to support SMEs and economic transformation.
The Workers' Party expressed reservations about the announced GST increase, citing uncertainty and the need for more details, but supported the budget's measures; the Finance Minister defended the approach as responsible and necessary, leading to a division where the budget was approved with 89 "Ayes" to 8 "Noes".

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28 Feb 2018

Debate on Annual Budget Statement

Members praised the Budget's forward-looking approach, but raised concerns about the proposed GST hike and its impact on inflation and competitiveness, suggesting a delay or alternative revenue sources.
Several speakers highlighted the need for better support for businesses, including rental cost relief for SMEs and more effective innovation policies, while emphasizing the importance of nurturing an innovation spirit in education.
The debate stressed the urgency of addressing social inequality and an ageing population, with calls for progressive tax reforms, stronger support for older workers, and initiatives to enhance social mobility and community care.

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27 Feb 2018

Debate on Annual Budget Statement

The Budget addresses rising expenditures on healthcare, infrastructure, and an ageing population, with a planned GST increase from 7% to 9% between 2021 and 2025 to ensure fiscal sustainability, accompanied by offset packages for lower- and middle-income households.
Economic transformation is prioritized through Industry Transformation Maps, SkillsFuture initiatives, and support for businesses, including grants for digitalization and innovation, while emphasizing the need for workforce upskilling and adaptability in the face of technological disruption.
Debates highlighted concerns about social mobility, gender inequality, and support for vulnerable groups, with calls for more progressive taxation, better caregiver support, and policies to address retirement adequacy and low-wage workers' conditions.

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27 Feb 2018

Higher Standard of Living while Maintaining Lower Cost of Living

Gan Thiam Poh inquired about the rise in Singapore's cost of living for basic necessities since 2010 compared to other cities and how the government plans to maintain a higher standard of living while keeping costs low.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry highlighted that Singapore's inflation rate averaged 1.8% annually from 2010 to 2017, comparable to or lower than South Korea and Taiwan, but with recent inflation declining to 0.6% in 2017.
The Ministry noted that real household income growth outpaced inflation during this period, and the government provides support through measures like GST vouchers, Workfare, and Silver Support to mitigate cost-of-living concerns.
The government commits to monitoring inflation trends, ensuring economic competitiveness for sustained income growth, and offering targeted social assistance to help Singaporeans achieve a higher standard of living.

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3 Oct 2017

Healthier Food without Higher Food Bills

The Minister explained that the Healthier Choice Symbol (HCS) helps consumers identify healthier foods, with over 3,500 products currently available, and that healthier eating does not always require expensive purchases, as demonstrated by NTUC Foodfare’s cheaper HCS-tagged drinks and HPB’s lower-cost recipes.
An MP questioned why healthier versions of the same product, like low-sugar kaya, are significantly more expensive than regular versions, seeking public education on the price difference.
The Minister acknowledged that lack of economies of scale often makes initial production of healthier items more expensive but noted that prices may become competitive as demand grows, and he emphasized that healthier eating can also involve moderation, cooking methods, and food preparation techniques that do not increase costs.

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8 May 2017

Long-term Plan to Help Lower-income Singaporean Families Defray High Cost of Infant Formula

Sitoh Yih Pin and Low Thia Khiang asked if the Ministry plans to provide permanent or long-term assistance to lower-income families to manage the high cost of infant formula, potentially expanding existing schemes like the NTUC FairPrice Foundation-CDC Milk Fund.
Tan Chuan-Jin highlighted that families can use the Baby Bonus Cash Gift, which provides up to $10,000 per child, disbursed over 18 months, to help cover child-raising costs including infant formula.
The Ministry directs low-income families facing difficulties to Social Service Offices for ComCare assistance, which includes monthly cash grants that can cover infant formula costs after a needs assessment.
The government acknowledges community efforts like the NTUC FairPrice Foundation-CDC Milk Fund and will continue monitoring infant formula costs and reviewing social assistance schemes as needed.

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8 May 2017

Affordability of Infant Formula

The Minister highlighted that while breastfeeding is encouraged, infant formula sold in Singapore meets nutritional standards, and the government will promote public awareness to help parents make informed choices and reduce reliance on marketing claims.
Measures include supporting Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative certification, facilitating more formula options in hospitals, and simplifying import requirements to increase competition, with the Competition Commission investigating any anti-competitive pricing behavior.
Regulatory bodies will tighten labelling and advertising rules and review ethics codes, while the government, along with consumer associations, will monitor pricing fairness and address potential profiteering.

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8 May 2017

Impact of Recent Price Increases on Cost of Living

MTI and MAS are tracking price increases in utilities, transport, and other sectors, projecting CPI-all items inflation to rise to 0.5–1.5% in 2017, mainly driven by higher energy costs linked to global oil prices.
Administrative price adjustments like water tariffs and carpark charges are expected to add about 0.2 percentage points to inflation in 2017, with measures such as staggered increases and U-Save rebates helping to mitigate household impact.
The government will continue monitoring price developments and coordinate across agencies to smooth out future increases, though global energy price fluctuations remain beyond direct control.

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8 May 2017

Fair Pricing for Milk Powder

The government acknowledges public concern over the high and rising price of infant milk powder in Singapore, which exceeds inflation, and is committed to addressing it through increased consumer education, better information to dispel myths about price equating to quality, and support for breastfeeding.
Measures will be taken to enhance market competition and consumer protection, including simplifying import rules to allow more formula brands by year-end, tightening advertising and labelling regulations to prevent misleading claims, and ensuring hospitals support breastfeeding and avoid conflicts of interest with formula companies.
The government will provide financial support to low-income families for infant formula costs through ComCare and other assistance schemes, while also monitoring the market for anti-competitive behavior and reminding businesses to price fairly.

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3 Apr 2017

Convening of Anti-profiteering Task Force in Light of Water Price Increases

Members of Parliament raised concerns about potential profiteering following water price increases, suggesting the setup of an anti-profiteering committee, a mobile feedback app, and guidance for businesses facing higher costs.
The Minister of State responded that the impact of the water price hike is moderate and targeted, so no new committee is needed, noting that CASE will monitor prices and handle consumer feedback through existing channels like its hotline, website, and app.
MPs questioned whether CASE has the resources and authority to investigate profiteering, especially for coordinated price rises in coffee shops, but the Minister emphasized consumer choice and that businesses set prices based on various costs, not just water.
The government reiterated that its focus is on supporting business transformation and productivity to manage costs, and it will monitor the impact of the water price change after July rather than preemptively setting up a task force.

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1 Mar 2017

Debate on Annual Budget Statement

Minister Chan Chun Sing emphasized the existential importance of water security, urging a national mindset change to address long-term challenges like water agreements and price increases as a responsible government.
Multiple speakers raised concerns about the impact of the budget measures on businesses and households, questioning the timing of utility price hikes and suggesting more progressive tariffs or support to mitigate costs.
Several MPs highlighted the need for innovation and collaboration across government agencies, citing examples of bureaucratic obstacles in projects like covered linkways and suggesting reforms to improve efficiency.
The budget's environmental measures, including carbon and diesel taxes, were supported but critiqued for their potential inflationary effects, with calls for greater incentives for green technology and sustainable practices.
Speakers stressed the importance of mindset changes across society, from civil servants to citizens, to adapt to global shifts, develop local talent, and address the disconnect between policy implementation and ground realities.

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1 Mar 2017

Debate on Annual Budget Statement

The debate highlighted concerns about the rising cost of living, job insecurity due to economic and technological disruptions, and the need to support vulnerable groups, with speakers urging the government to ensure policies translate into tangible relief for everyday struggles.
Several MPs discussed the importance of inclusive growth, better support for SMEs, and addressing challenges in the gig economy, while also emphasizing the need for stronger community networks, lifelong learning, and workforce transformation to prepare for future jobs.
The 30% water price hike sparked significant debate, with the government defending it as necessary for water security and sustainability, while some MPs questioned the transparency and impact on households, leading to discussions on conservation and fair pricing.

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28 Feb 2017

Debate on Annual Budget Statement

Some MPs supported Budget 2017’s long-term focus on economic transformation, skills development, and support for SMEs through initiatives like the Industry Transformation Maps and the International Partnership Fund, while others criticized the timing of cost increases such as water and diesel prices amid economic uncertainty.
Concerns were raised about the impact of rising costs on businesses and middle-income households, with calls for more targeted relief, such as rental rebates and flexibility in support measures, rather than broad-based handouts.
The debate highlighted the need to strengthen local enterprises, improve digital capabilities, and enhance social safety nets to address job insecurity and income inequality in a slower-growth environment.

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20 Feb 2017

Water Consumption and Forthcoming Price Increase

The government announced that assistance would be provided to lower-income households to manage the forthcoming water price increase, with detailed measures to be revealed in the 2017 Budget Statement.
Currently, 45% of water demand comes from the domestic sector and 55% from non-domestic sectors; the average household water consumption is 17 cubic metres per month, with 40% of households consuming above this average, and per capita usage is 148 litres per day, lower than several other major cities.
Since 2015, the Public Utilities Board requires large non-residential water users to submit Water Efficiency Management Plans, with over 600 such plans submitted in 2016, aiming to develop benchmarks and guidelines for improved water efficiency.

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20 Feb 2017

Annual Budget Statement

The government introduced targeted economic support measures for sectors facing cyclical or structural challenges, including deferred foreign worker levies for marine and process sectors, the "Attach and Train" programme to help workers reskill, and enhanced corporate income tax rebates for businesses.
It announced a carbon tax of $10 to $20 per tonne of greenhouse gas emissions to be implemented from 2019, alongside a restructuring of diesel taxes and new water pricing to reflect rising costs, while offering rebates and support to cushion the impact on households.
Social measures included increased housing grants for first-time resale flat buyers, higher bursaries for post-secondary students, expanded support for persons with disabilities and mental health conditions, and permanent increases in GST vouchers to help lower- and middle-income households manage cost-of-living pressures.

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7 Feb 2017

Impact of Checkpoint Toll Charges on Inflation and Food Prices

Saktiandi Supaat asked if the reciprocal road charge on foreign vehicles would affect domestic inflation and food prices, and whether it could be waived for commercial goods vehicles.
Khaw Boon Wan confirmed that the reciprocal road charge will not be applied to commercial goods vehicles.
The response addresses concerns about the charge's impact on inflation and food prices by exempting commercial vehicles.
The debate focused on the potential economic effects of the checkpoint toll charges on Singapore's economy.
The exemption of commercial goods vehicles from the road charge aims to mitigate any negative impact on food prices and inflation.

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6 Feb 2017

Offset from Government Rebates for Utility Bills

Miss Cheryl Chan inquired about the effectiveness of the GST Voucher – Utilities-Save rebate in offsetting rising electricity tariffs for rental flats and whether households on the Pay-As-You-Use scheme could have the rebate directly credited to their prepaid accounts.
The Minister explained that the permanent GST Voucher – U-Save scheme provides support equivalent to about three to four months of utilities bills for 1- and 2-room HDB households, and one to two months for 3- and 4-room households.
For households on the Pay-As-You-Use scheme, the U-Save rebate is already credited to their utilities account to reduce arrears, and after arrears are cleared, it offsets water and gas components if they remain on the scheme.

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8 Nov 2016

Scaling Water Conservation Tax to Allow for Minimum Hygiene Standards

Leon Perera proposed that the Water Conservation Tax (WCT) be scaled so that no tax is applied to water consumption deemed necessary for minimum hygiene standards.
Masagos Zulkifli explained that the current tiered WCT and tariff system aims to discourage excessive water use, with tax applied from the first drop to reflect water's scarcity and cost.
The Ministry maintains that applying WCT on all consumption, including basic uses, reinforces the principle that water is precious and ensures pricing reflects its long-term marginal cost.
The government addresses affordability through cash grants via the Utilities-Save scheme for HDB households, supporting lower-income groups while promoting prudent water use.

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13 Sep 2016

Removal of GST on Water Conservation Tax

Low Thia Khiang asked whether the Ministry will consider removing GST on the water conservation tax (WCT).
Heng Swee Keat explained that WCT and GST serve different purposes, with WCT reflecting water’s value and covering production costs, while GST is a general consumption tax applied to the final price of goods and services.
The Minister noted that applying GST to WCT is consistent with international practice and that fairness is maintained through schemes like GST Vouchers, which provide rebates to lower- and middle-income households.

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