Government helps Singaporeans cope with cost of living

政府帮助国人应付生活费

答复

谨答复《联合早报·交流站》早报网谈于2月12日刊登的读者留言。

我们明白读者关心的事，愿在此与贵报读者分享在消费税上升后，政府会做些什么。

政府已经准备了一笔60亿元的“定心与援助配套”（Assurance Package），能在五到10年的过渡期内，有效延缓消费税调高所带来的影响。这个配套将援助全体新加坡人，而不单是低收入者。

此外，我们也透过消费税补助券计划，提供长期援助，予以中低收入家庭持续的支援。

政府已经在获得公共津贴的医疗和教育服务领域，吸纳消费税，并且会继续这么做。所有税收（包括提高的消费税）都会用于支持新加坡人的医疗开销和其他需要。

Ms Farah Abdul Rahim

财政部通讯及联系司司长

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We refer to the comments from LHZB’s readers on 12 Feb 2022.

We understand the concerns and would like to share with your readers what the Government will do when the GST is raised.

The Government has set aside a $6 billion for an Assurance Package, which will effectively delay the impact of the GST increase beyond the transition period, which will be about 5 to 10 years. This package will provide assistance to all Singaporeans, not just for the lower-income.

In addition, we are giving permanent assistance in the form of the GST Voucher, so that lower- to middle-income households receive continuing support.

The Government already absorbs GST on publicly-subsidised healthcare and education, and will continue to do so.

The revenue from our taxes (including the GST increase) is channelled to support Singaporeans’ healthcare and other needs.

Ms Farah Abdul Rahim

Director, Communications and Engagement

Ministry of Finance