Examining the Exclusion of Singles in Singapore’s Fiscal Policies
Single Singaporeans may have dodged the Valentine’s Day blues, but the 2023 budget speech delivered a reality check for many. Dubbed a “love letter to Singaporeans” by Finance Minister Lawrence Wong, the budget’s affections were clearly directed elsewhere—namely, at young couples and families.
Budget 2023 focuses heavily on enabling couples to start families. Initiatives such as increased Baby Bonus cash gifts, an additional ballot for Build-To-Order (BTO) flat applications, and extended paternity leave emphasize Singapore’s family-centric policy direction. These measures cater to a “Singapore made for families,” leaving singles without similar opportunities for support.
When it came to addressing singles, the budget’s rhetoric was noticeably silent. Singles, a demographic that has grown across all age groups according to the 2020 census, found few policies directly benefiting their circumstances. While financial relief, such as GST and CDC vouchers, was distributed broadly, the implication for singles was clear: settle down to enjoy most government benefits.
The lack of focus on singles in the budget highlights a persistent gap in national fiscal planning, leaving many wondering if next year will bring more inclusive policies or if the single demographic will continue to be overlooked.
The absence of rental market cooling measures was another blow to singles. With rental prices soaring, owning or renting a space independently has become a steep challenge. This disproportionately affects singles, especially those aiming to leave the nest. Public housing policies also restrict singles to limited options, such as two-room flats in non-mature estates, with lengthy waiting times. For singles striving for independence, the combination of high rentals and restricted public housing options creates an untenable situation.
Unmarried single mothers face even greater challenges. Adjustments to the Working Mother Child Relief policy excluded unmarried mothers entirely, despite allowing benefits for their married, divorced, or widowed counterparts. This exclusion underscores Singapore’s emphasis on supporting traditional family structures over alternative family arrangements. For unmarried single mothers, the path to receiving equitable benefits remains fraught with systemic hurdles.
One silver lining for singles in the budget was an increase in housing grants. Starting immediately after the budget’s announcement, eligible singles can access up to $40,000 under the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant for new or resale flats. However, experts warn that without measures to increase housing supply, these grants could drive property prices higher, disproportionately impacting singles already struggling to enter the housing market.
While families and young couples remain the centerpiece of Singapore’s fiscal policies, singles continue to face systemic exclusions. From housing limitations to inequitable tax benefits, singles are often left to navigate a policy landscape that prioritizes families. As Singapore’s single population grows, the need for inclusive and supportive measures becomes increasingly urgent.
The 2023 budget highlights the challenges of being single in a family-focused society. Until national policies account for the diverse needs of all Singaporeans, singles may remain left out of the equation, hoping for change in future budgets.
