Social Welfare Boost Expected

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Biman Prasad says Government is carefully considering public calls for an increase in the social welfare allowance as part of the upcoming national budget.

“All these are being considered as part of the budget. We have obviously listened very carefully,” Mr Prasad said.

“This is a Government that has done that in the past two budgets. We have listened very carefully to the submissions.

“We are not going to be able to accept everything that people say, but the good thing is there are some really good suggestions — things that we could do this year, things that we may be able to do next year and beyond.”

He acknowledged the wide participation from the public in the pre-budget consultation process, noting the importance of a free and open environment where people are encouraged to contribute ideas.

“It’s never a bad idea for submissions to come and we are very pleased with the quality and the number of submissions that we receive.

“Not only from professional bodies and businesses, but also ordinary people.

“That’s the beauty of creating an environment where people are free to express their ideas and submissions,” he said.

Mr Prasad said he is happy with how the budget preparations were progressing.

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