Public feedback wanted for Budget 2016

SINGAPORE - Starting from Monday, Singaporeans with feedback for the upcoming Budget 2016 can visit the REACH Pre-Budget 2016 website (www.reach.gov.sg/Budget2016) to submit their views online.

"Individuals, households, and businesses are welcome to provide feedback on issues such as how we can best develop Singaporeans and help local companies grow through innovation and internationalisation," said the Ministry of Finance (MOF) in a statement today (Jan 31).

The Budget will be presented by Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat in Parliament on March 24.

The public can also visit the Budget 2016 website (www.singaporebudget.gov.sg) for updates on the Budget, as well as general information on the national budget process. 

MOF and REACH will also have three listening points set up at Raffles Place, Toa Payoh Hub and Yew Tee Square from Feb 17-21.

On Feb 17, a Pre-Budget Conversation, where members of the public discuss their suggestions for the coming Budget, will be held and attended by Senior Minister of State for Finance & Law Ms Indranee Rajah and REACH Chairman Mr Sam Tan.  

Following that, a Facebook Q&A session will be held at www.facebook.com/REACHSingapore on Feb 22 from 12.30pm-2pm. The session with be chaired by Mr Liang Eng Hwa, Chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) for Finance and Trade and Industry, and Ms Sun Xueling, a member of the GPC. 

Singaporeans can also give their feedback on Twitter @REACH_Singapore and using the hashtag #SGBudget2016, via email at reach@reach.gov.sg, through the toll-free hotline at 1800-353-5555 or SMS to 9-SPEAK-UP (9-77325-87). 

The Budget feedback exercise will close on Feb 26.

maryanns@sph.com.sg