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Support funeral needs of young, vulnerable Singaporeans

In light of the recent nationwide study on the homelessness situation in Singapore, it is important, as a society, that we provide timely help.
It is my hope that in this year’s Budget, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat will place more emphasis on strengthening Singapore’s social safety nets, and expanding support for the funerary needs of the young and vulnerable in our society.

The writer calls on the authorities to abolish burial and cremation fees for children under 18, and to give families grieving the loss of a child a nominal fee for funeral costs.

The writer calls on the authorities to abolish burial and cremation fees for children under 18, and to give families grieving the loss of a child a nominal fee for funeral costs.

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In light of the recent nationwide study on the homelessness situation in Singapore, it is important, as a society, that we provide timely help.

With changing demographics, and in particular an ageing population and smaller families, there will be even more vulnerable Singaporeans in our midst. It is critical that any future government would have the resources to strengthen our social safety nets.

Thus, it is my hope that in this year’s Budget on Feb 18, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat will place more emphasis on strengthening Singapore’s social safety nets, and expanding support for the funerary needs of the young and vulnerable in our society.

I used to work in the funeral industry and have seen first hand how families worry about the cost of a funeral.

Where there are no funds from an estate or from family or friends, or when a need for financial help has been established, there should be a Vulnerable Persons Funeral Scheme managed by the Public Trustee’s Office to provide funeral services for our people.

A Children Funeral Fund under the auspices of the Community Chest should also be set up, and the burial and cremation fees for children under 18 abolished. Families grieving the loss of a child or stillborn should be given a nominal fee to help them cover funeral costs.

Donations to these schemes should be tax-deductible and the Government should match every dollar donated by the public. The Government should also make an initial contribution to the schemes.

These arrangements will reduce the financial burden on families by reimbursing funeral directors, cemeteries, and crematorium and columbarium authorities, while ensuring the transparent and accountable use of public money.

The burden borne by Singaporeans left behind by their deceased family members should be viewed as part of the challenges that future policies on healthcare, active ageing and retirement adequacy should rightfully address.

Have views on this issue or a news topic you care about? Send your letter to voices [at] mediacorp.com.sg with your full name, address and phone number.

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