 MCYS to spend $140m on social aid to the needy in FY 2007
SINGAPORE: The government will increase by some 50 percent the amount it spends on social assistance to the low-income and needy.
Such aid would rise from $96m currently to $140m in the new financial year, said the Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS).
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan also said he would raise the Public Assistance rates and ComCare Fund spending.
Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, Dr Balakrishnan said ComCare Fund spending would be increased by close to two thirds - from last year's $43m to $67m.
Public Assistance rates were last adjusted for inflation five years ago.
To help the needy cope better with the GST increase, the government will raise the Public Assistance rates from July.
For example, an elderly recipient living alone will get $290 a month - $30 more than the current $260.
A poor family with three school-going children will get the biggest quantum increase of $115 - from the current $825 to $940 a month.
As part of the GST offset package, the MCYS will also increase the subsidies for low-income families to send their children to attend kindergarten, childcare and student care centres while the parents work.
Although the GST offset package is adequate for most families to cope with the GST hike, some may need additional help.
Being closer to the ground, grassroots organisations and voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs) are best placed to help these families.
The government will, therefore, set aside $10m over the next five years for the Citizens' Consultative Committees (CCCs), VWOs and self-help groups to help families cope with the GST increase.
The government has also accepted the Enabling Masterplan Committee's recommendation to start a Caregiver Training Grant.
$500,000 has been allocated over the next five years to train caregivers looking after family members with disabilities.
Such families will also enjoy the concessionary $95 monthly maid levy.
From May, the Enable Fund will be renamed Open Door Fund to help companies redesign their workplaces or jobs so as to employ more disabled people.
And to strengthen the many helping hands framework, $45m will also be set aside over the next five years to enhance the capabilities of charities and VWOs.
Called the VWOs-Charities Capability Fund, the money will help the 1,900 charities improve their training, board expertise and professional management. - CNA/ir  To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.: Asia Solution Kenetics
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