Budget 2023 debate: Shahira Abdullah on support for unwed single mothers and working mothers
Singapore can do more for unwed single mothers and working mothers, said NMP Shahira Abdullah in Parliament on Thursday (Feb 23). Highlighting the Parenthood Tax Rebate and Working Mother's Child Relief, she noted that Government measures which penalise single mothers or leave them out of society-wide benefits do not just penalise them, but their children as well. She also questioned if changes to the Working Mother’s Child Relief would deter mothers in the higher- and middle-income brackets from having more children, and called for implementation of both a fixed minimum sum and percentage-based calculation. Dr Shahira also appealed for increased paternity leave to begin earlier so as to benefit more couples. In addition, she urged employers to instil a strong pro-family work culture where flexible work arrangements are the norm.
Singapore can do more for unwed single mothers and working mothers, said NMP Shahira Abdullah in Parliament on Thursday (Feb 23). Highlighting the Parenthood Tax Rebate and Working Mother's Child Relief, she noted that Government measures which penalise single mothers or leave them out of society-wide benefits do not just penalise them, but their children as well. She also questioned if changes to the Working Mother’s Child Relief would deter mothers in the higher- and middle-income brackets from having more children, and called for implementation of both a fixed minimum sum and percentage-based calculation. Dr Shahira also appealed for increased paternity leave to begin earlier so as to benefit more couples. In addition, she urged employers to instil a strong pro-family work culture where flexible work arrangements are the norm.
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