FCOSS Applauds Budget Focus on Citizens

The Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) has summed the 2025-2026 National Budget as “very pragmatic” following Finance Minister Biman Prasad’s National Budget address on Friday.

FCOSS executive director Vani Catanasiga said the Budget showed that Government was listening to citizens’ concerns about the cost of living.

“I think it’s a very pragmatic budget in terms of implementability, in terms of being cognizant of what citizens need at this moment, listening to concerns about the cost of living,” Ms Catanasiga said.

She welcomed the reduction in Value Added Tax (VAT) from 15 per cent to 12.5 per cent and the removal of tariffs on food items as significant relief measures for ordinary citizens.

“The reduction in VAT, the reduction of tariffs on food items and other things, I think that’s what we have to welcome at this point in time,” she said.

Claims dismissed

When asked if the Budget was designed for the upcoming elections, Ms Catanasiga disagreed, saying it aligned with the National Development Plan (NDP).

“No, I actually think that if you look at what the NDP says, and if you’ve been following the budget process, and you’ve been looking at reforms that have been taking place in the public finance management system, I think it’s on track,” she said.

FCOSS members were particularly pleased with increased allocations to the Ministry of Rural Development, which would address long-standing community needs.

“We are thankful that some of what we’ve submitted in the last few years, many of our members wait in anticipation for issues like bridges, footpaths and lighting and all of that in their communities,” Ms Catanasiga said.

She also welcomed the boost to police funding, saying it addressed concerns about the drug epidemic and community safety that FCOSS had raised in previous budget submissions.

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