Majority approve of Silver Support, SkillsFuture, CPF changes: Poll
SINGAPORE — Measures announced in this year’s Budget to ease the financial burden of retirees received strong support, while response to efforts to help Singaporeans accumulate more Central Provident Fund (CPF) savings was less enthusiastic in comparison, a poll conducted by government feedback portal REACH showed.
The Silver Support Scheme, a permanent handout that disburses between S$300 and S$750 each quarterto eligible seniors, got the highest backing, with 77 per cent agreeing it would provide significant support.
Seven in 10 also agreed that the GST Voucher — Seniors’ Bonus would significantly help offset daily expenses.
Seventy-two per cent of respondents also found SkillsFuture initiatives helpful in supporting lifelong learning.
In contrast, various changes to the CPF, including an additional 1 per cent interest on the first S$30,000 in CPF balances and the raising of the CPF salary ceiling from S$5,000 to S$6,000, registered approval ratings in the 60s.
The poll, which was conducted via telephone from Feb 25 to March 6, involved 947 Singapore citizens aged 20 and above, with the sample weighted by gender, age and race.
Commenting on the findings, Senior Minister of State (Health and Manpower) and REACH chairman Amy Khor said in a statement: “They have shown strong support for measures that aim to give greater assurance and opportunities to Singaporeans at every stage of their lives.”
She added that the poll results are similar to the feedback REACH had received on other platforms, and that this is a “comprehensive, fair and inclusive Budget”. JORDON SIMPSON
