SINGAPORE — From raising the income ceiling for buying new HDB (Housing and Development Board) flats to removing the foreign domestic worker (FDW) levy completely for households that already qualify for a concessionary rate, callers to VoicesTODAY — TODAY’s weekly talk show on Channel 5 — offered their takes on how this year’s Budget could have better addressed the needs of the sandwiched middle class.

More than one caller felt the concessionary FDW levy — which will be cut from S$170 to S$120 per month — could have been even more generous.

Caller Harold Lin suggested that the levy be waived entirely for such families.

The concessionary rate is available for families with dependants such as children, elderly parents and family members with disabilities.

“What is the rationale for this levy? Why should the Government be getting revenue for such families in need?” Mr Lin asked.

Ms Rosalind David, who is married with children and living with her mother-in-law, noted that a S$50 reduction in the concessionary rate was not very much, “considering the cost of living is so high”.

Meanwhile, Mr Leow Zi Xiang felt the income limit for couples buying their first new HDB flat should be raised, noting that it was not difficult for a graduate couple to hit that ceiling within a few years of work. He added that housing is a “necessity”.

Others raised healthcare costs as a concern: Ms Lin Zhaojin, who is supporting her ageing parents with her sister, noted that older people have degenerative health conditions that require constant care, which are not covered by Medisave. “I’m waiting to see if more can be done,” she said.

In keeping with the show’s format, the debate continued to be streamed online after the 30-minute televised segment went off air, with caller Donovan Chee saying more could be done to help work-life balance.

VoicesTODAY airs on Thursdays at 9pm. A recap of the show can be viewed at http://www.todayonline.com/voicestoday.