THE rising cost of living, driven partly by higher food prices,
is expected to soar further in the first three months of this year
before moderating, Finance Minister Tharaman Shanmugaratnam
cautioned in Parliament today.
But some relief for Singaporeans hurt by the quickening
inflation is in store: the upcoming Budget next month will contain
measures to help shield them from its impact, he promised.
'The Government will take into account the impact of inflation
and the needs of low-income and retiree households when considering
further transfers,' said Mr Shanmugaratnam.
The minister also hinted that existing assistance schemes such
as the ComCare Fund - now holding $800 million - may be enhanced to
provide more buffer for the needy.
'Apart from the Budget... we've got ComCare and other schemes
which will allow residents who are truly in need to get
assistance,'he added.
Inflation in Singapore hit 3.8 per cent in November from a year
ago, the largest jump since January 2009.
