GST hike ‘more likely’ if Govt needs to raise revenue

Reply to GST hike ‘more likely’ if Govt needs to raise revenue on Sat, 24 Aug 2013 10:16:10 GMT

limlim — Sat, 24 Aug 2013 10:16:10 GMT

3Boys:

Has the hike quantum been announced yet?

Fundamentally the shift in Medishield is to cover even those who are currently uninsurable, and that will translate into much higher costs overall. Hence, the community will have to pick up the burden for the those in poorer health. That can either be through higher taxes, or higher Medishield premiums.

In order to ensure sustainability, I prefer higher premiums. More transparent.

You can read page D4 and D5 in today's ST.

Not announced yet? My insurer already sent letter say next premium amount for enhance medishield (which is also medishield) is like double of current already.

I rather the income tax go up. I prefer to pay more income tax.

Reply to GST hike ‘more likely’ if Govt needs to raise revenue on Sat, 24 Aug 2013 07:15:33 GMT

3Boys — Sat, 24 Aug 2013 07:15:33 GMT

GLORYmum:
3Boys:
[quote=\"raysusan\"]http://leongszehian.com/?p=1543

what u guys think about this?
I have long given up reading Leong Sze Hian, good for some laughs on a slow day, but not much more.

$131 million, over a citizen base of how much? That's about $45 a person. 'Huge' surplus he says? What a joke.

Every penny counts when u r living on $60 or less a day.
The quantum is not yet announced but PM has 'assured' it won't be an insignificant amount. :slapshead:[/quote]Ummm.....what I'm saying is that the so called surplus is enough to provide $45 of medical support for every man, woman and child SC. You think that is too much?

Every penny counts, so we better generate revenue from those can afford, and distribute to those who can't. Don't take a reductionist approach and say, oh if the bottom 10% can't afford it, we don't do it, but with assistance to the poor, because that would kill a ton of good policies.

Reply to GST hike ‘more likely’ if Govt needs to raise revenue on Sat, 24 Aug 2013 01:10:44 GMT

GLORYmum — Sat, 24 Aug 2013 01:10:44 GMT

3Boys:
raysusan:
http://leongszehian.com/?p=1543

what u guys think about this?
I have long given up reading Leong Sze Hian, good for some laughs on a slow day, but not much more.

$131 million, over a citizen base of how much? That's about $45 a person. 'Huge' surplus he says? What a joke.

Every penny counts when u r living on $60 or less a day.
The quantum is not yet announced but PM has 'assured' it won't be an insignificant amount. :slapshead:

Reply to GST hike ‘more likely’ if Govt needs to raise revenue on Sat, 24 Aug 2013 01:05:39 GMT

3Boys — Sat, 24 Aug 2013 01:05:39 GMT

raysusan:
http://leongszehian.com/?p=1543

what u guys think about this?

I have long given up reading Leong Sze Hian, good for some laughs on a slow day, but not much more.

$131 million, over a citizen base of how much? That's about $45 a person. 'Huge' surplus he says? What a joke.

Reply to GST hike ‘more likely’ if Govt needs to raise revenue on Sat, 24 Aug 2013 00:55:05 GMT

3Boys — Sat, 24 Aug 2013 00:55:05 GMT

limlim:
3Boys:
[quote=\"GLORYmum\"]3boys, I understand your view but rich tai tai undergoing luxurious medical procedure is not the majority and by taxing the common people on medical bills for ease to administer also doesn't seem to be the best consideration.

Even where the money saved from administration, and garnered from the GST from the rich tai tai, is funneled back to help the needy?

It's not just about saving the GST from the Tai Tai minority, it's about generating income from economic activity (including the rich Indon and ME clients at private hospitals), so that one has the freedom to use judiciously.

I think one needs to see how the whole scheme hangs together, yes?

fair enough.. but WHY medishield premium undergo such a hefty hike? like doubled?? Aren't medishield for Singaporeans? and is meant to help the pple pay for medical bills? WHY the hefty hike?[/quote]Has the hike quantum been announced yet?

Fundamentally the shift in Medishield is to cover even those who are currently uninsurable, and that will translate into much higher costs overall. Hence, the community will have to pick up the burden for the those in poorer health. That can either be through higher taxes, or higher Medishield premiums.

In order to ensure sustainability, I prefer higher premiums. More transparent.

You can read page D4 and D5 in today's ST.

Reply to GST hike ‘more likely’ if Govt needs to raise revenue on Fri, 23 Aug 2013 14:17:05 GMT

raysusan — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 14:17:05 GMT

http://leongszehian.com/?p=1543

what u guys think about this?

Reply to GST hike ‘more likely’ if Govt needs to raise revenue on Fri, 23 Aug 2013 13:15:41 GMT

limlim — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 13:15:41 GMT

3Boys:
GLORYmum:
3boys, I understand your view but rich tai tai undergoing luxurious medical procedure is not the majority and by taxing the common people on medical bills for ease to administer also doesn't seem to be the best consideration.

Even where the money saved from administration, and garnered from the GST from the rich tai tai, is funneled back to help the needy?

It's not just about saving the GST from the Tai Tai minority, it's about generating income from economic activity (including the rich Indon and ME clients at private hospitals), so that one has the freedom to use judiciously.

I think one needs to see how the whole scheme hangs together, yes?

fair enough.. but WHY medishield premium undergo such a hefty hike? like doubled?? Aren't medishield for Singaporeans? and is meant to help the pple pay for medical bills? WHY the hefty hike?

Reply to GST hike ‘more likely’ if Govt needs to raise revenue on Fri, 23 Aug 2013 13:11:16 GMT

limlim — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 13:11:16 GMT

I don’t stay overseas before… but I tends to believe many things are very much affordable in the US as compared to SG.

To the extend that pple who find that things in SG are too expensive can actually go on frenzy shopping spree on products from US.

To the extend that US online shopping giant is offering free shipping to SG as they probably recognize the potential sale volume that a small country like SG can generate.

If the same person drawing SG salary don’t feel that SG is getting too costly, why do they rather go and buy the same things from the US and wait for it to take it’s own sweet time to travel to SG?

And, from what I heard, amazon are often selling way more expensive than many US local store, and yet, to Singaporeans, amazon pricing is like ultra GSS pricing…

Reply to GST hike ‘more likely’ if Govt needs to raise revenue on Fri, 23 Aug 2013 05:06:54 GMT

pirate — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 05:06:54 GMT

Rich foreigners coming to Singapore for medical procedures is a booming industry. I see nothing inherently wrong with the govt’s practical approach of targeted assistance by way of GST rebates, subsidies and other measures instead.

There is medical bills, and then there is medical bills. Just as there is milk, and then there is milk.

Reply to GST hike ‘more likely’ if Govt needs to raise revenue on Fri, 23 Aug 2013 05:06:24 GMT

3Boys — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 05:06:24 GMT

GLORYmum:
3boys, I understand your view but rich tai tai undergoing luxurious medical procedure is not the majority and by taxing the common people on medical bills for ease to administer also doesn't seem to be the best consideration.

Even where the money saved from administration, and garnered from the GST from the rich tai tai, is funneled back to help the needy?

It's not just about saving the GST from the Tai Tai minority, it's about generating income from economic activity (including the rich Indon and ME clients at private hospitals), so that one has the freedom to use judiciously.

I think one needs to see how the whole scheme hangs together, yes?

Reply to GST hike ‘more likely’ if Govt needs to raise revenue on Fri, 23 Aug 2013 04:51:13 GMT

GLORYmum — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 04:51:13 GMT

3boys, I understand your view but rich tai tai undergoing luxurious medical procedure is not the majority and by taxing the common people on medical bills for ease to administer also doesn’t seem to be the best consideration.

Reply to GST hike ‘more likely’ if Govt needs to raise revenue on Fri, 23 Aug 2013 04:31:42 GMT

Dora1 — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 04:31:42 GMT

I think GST is already exempted for subsidised patients in the restructured hospitals.

Reply to GST hike ‘more likely’ if Govt needs to raise revenue on Fri, 23 Aug 2013 04:09:47 GMT

3Boys — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 04:09:47 GMT

GLORYmum:
Gst imposed on hospital bills?

Any justification for this?

Hi GM,
allow me to provide my a perspective on this.

Administering exemptions takes time and resources. Sometimes it costs more to run a administration of programs to save costs, than the costs saved.

The g'ment position has always been, keep a lean and simple structure, do away with unnecessary admin, and then provide subsidies/rebates/assistance to those who need it.

Is there a some justification to do away with GST for hospitalisation?

Possibly.

But.

It means it hits everyone, rich and poor. Arguably, a rich Tai Tai undergoing a facelift and tummy tuck, with an uber plastic surgeon, is consuming a luxury service and ought to be paying GST, don't you think?

Much better to have the GST, and then provide health subsidies to offset, based on treatment sought, and means testing.

That's my view.

Reply to GST hike ‘more likely’ if Govt needs to raise revenue on Fri, 23 Aug 2013 03:52:05 GMT

GLORYmum — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 03:52:05 GMT

Gst imposed on hospital bills?

Any justification for this?

Reply to GST hike ‘more likely’ if Govt needs to raise revenue on Fri, 23 Aug 2013 03:48:46 GMT

Harlequin — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 03:48:46 GMT

Dreamgear:
....Gst on milk remains.

:rotflmao:
You made my :nosebleed: :gloomy: :frustrated: go away, laughter is the best medicine :celebrate: :goodpost:

Reply to GST hike ‘more likely’ if Govt needs to raise revenue on Fri, 23 Aug 2013 03:24:38 GMT

Dreamgear — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 03:24:38 GMT

Ok so is gst going to increase? I guess announce next budget, then they will also throw in gst rebate to the middle and low income. Gst on milk remains.

Reply to GST hike ‘more likely’ if Govt needs to raise revenue on Fri, 23 Aug 2013 03:22:53 GMT

Harlequin — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 03:22:53 GMT

pirate:
[quote]£4.99 milk

So got VAT on the milk? [/quote]Nope. £4 goes to help paying rental etc... :evil:

Reply to GST hike ‘more likely’ if Govt needs to raise revenue on Fri, 23 Aug 2013 03:17:09 GMT

Harlequin — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 03:17:09 GMT

Ok, now I get it :idea: , it's the rich that find London is more expensive.... and the average income people find London is cheaper than SG... :imanangel:

Reply to GST hike ‘more likely’ if Govt needs to raise revenue on Fri, 23 Aug 2013 03:06:50 GMT

atutor2001 — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 03:06:50 GMT

NormalLayman:
for the general price of milk previously discussed, S$1.10 (without sale) in UK vs S$2.80 in Singapore, it is obvious that Singapore's milk price is so much expensive (155% more)! .

Yes diary products there are generally about half the price here even without sales. The example on milk is no good. In fact the mark & Spencer biscuits are about half of local price (no sales). There is also this cheap place called Primax for the lower income. Bought working shoes for £2 per pair. They were comfortable and much better than local brands. So it depends on how we spend in there. Daily expenses can definitely be cheap if we spend wisely. I guess it applies to all places. Now I stop eating out and buy only from selected places to counter inflation. Sad to find myself having to change my life style like as if I am living overseas.

Reply to GST hike ‘more likely’ if Govt needs to raise revenue on Fri, 23 Aug 2013 02:55:11 GMT

3Boys — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 02:55:11 GMT

atutor2001:
Actually many students living in London may find that it can be cheaper than here because they avoided the expensive stuff and buy only when there is sales. Ben and Jerry can cost as low as S$2 per tub during sales. Rental is the most expensive and they save by living outside zone 1. They avoid tube and take public bus. It is also normal to walk 1 km over in central area to save on transport. I have survived there on very low budget before, by buying pre-cooked food from Tesco which are expiring soon. We even know the time to go because they will be snatched up once the price tag is changed. What I missed most are the beautiful good quality dress when sales is on - we need to pay a bomb for the same quality here.

However, if we buy things at normal price there, I think it ican easily cost 3 to 4 times here. On the other hand if poor people like me who only buy things that are on sales, the cost can be as low as half here. Perhaps that is the reason for the disagreement.

You must compare apples to apples.

It is also very possible for students to survive on a low budget here in Singapore too. Go to the hawker centre, use the local provision shops, use house brands, take MRT. Not worse than London, arguably better, I'd say.

Reply to GST hike ‘more likely’ if Govt needs to raise revenue on Fri, 23 Aug 2013 02:28:50 GMT

GLORYmum — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 02:28:50 GMT

This is from my personal experience.

Buying items on sales in uk is def cheaper than buying them at regular price in Singapore.
Kids’ clothes are very much cheaper too because they are not taxed.
So are we comparing apple to apple in this case?
Personal income tax in uk is higher than Singapore so does this reflect the fact that the cost of living is also not lower?

Reply to GST hike ‘more likely’ if Govt needs to raise revenue on Fri, 23 Aug 2013 02:19:10 GMT

NormalLayman — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 02:19:10 GMT

for the general price of milk previously discussed, S$1.10 (without sale) in UK vs S$2.80 in Singapore, it is obvious that Singapore's milk price is so much expensive (155% more)!

atutor2001:
Actually many students living in London may find that it can be cheaper than here because they avoided the expensive stuff and buy only when there is sales. Ben and Jerry can cost as low as S$2 per tub during sales. Rental is the most expensive and they save by living outside zone 1. They avoid tube and take public bus. It is also normal to walk 1 km over in central area to save on transport. I have survived there on very low budget before, by buying pre-cooked food from Tesco which are expiring soon. We even know the time to go because they will be snatched up once the price tag is changed. What I missed most are the beautiful good quality dress when sales is on - we need to pay a bomb for the same quality here.

However, if we buy things at normal price there, I think it ican easily cost 3 to 4 times here. On the other hand if poor people like me who only buy things that are on sales, the cost can be as low as half here. Perhaps that is the reason for the disagreement.

Reply to GST hike ‘more likely’ if Govt needs to raise revenue on Fri, 23 Aug 2013 02:09:37 GMT

NormalLayman — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 02:09:37 GMT

if you are talking about general milk costs in UK, obviously people talk about prices of milk from the like Sainsbury's or Tesco because they are everywhere in UK.

however, you quote a radiculous price for milk in UK & appear to substantiate that you know better than others because you have lived there before appears quite strange. So where did get £4.99 milk in UK that you quoted us from?
If you like to drink £4.99 milk or even £100 milk, it is Ok but please tell us frankly that there are also £0.5x (about S$1.10) per liter milk widely available because the general population in UK drink the £0.5x per liter milk, not the £4.99 milk & how can that figure be used to compare to the milk in Singapore to justify that food costs are much more expensive in UK?
That bothers on, on well, ...
The similar milk I get from Singapore NTUC is like S$2.80 per liter!

Harlequin:
NormalLayman:
Hi Chief, so serious? Did he/she purposely rename all usernames or only some are wrong?
May be we should give benefit of doubt?
He/She may have typed wrongly because some usernames are not really standard English. Anybody including me could have made the same mistake.

Please do not take offense because I just hope there is no misunderstanding & a lively forum should have very diversive views otherwise it will not be lively & as though everybody echoing each other, no difference in views.

To be fair, forumers should post responsibly & not to state things as though they are facts when they are not, like fresh milk cost so much in UK when in fact they are not & yet still insisted that what they said is true (Including saying he/she lived there before & know the price very well) until they were proven wrong by chrisloh. I initially give that forumer (H something, don't know how to spell the name) benefit of doubt but after he/she insisted on his/her statement without qualifying that he/she may remembered wrongly or some reason), I start to have doubt.

I supposed you are referring to me? First, how do you know for sure I never lived in London before? Just because I don't shop in Sainsbury? But drink the £4.99 milk?

Talk about \"a lively forum should have very diversive views\" and follow with a statement of \"like fresh milk cost so much in UK when in fact they are not & yet still insisted that what they said is true.....\" Now I am not sure are some members that preaches the value of \"diversify views\" can indeed keep up to his/her preaching.

BTW, it takes about 2 mins to find out online what's the Sainsbury milk price? Wouldn't I thought of that if I want to pull a fast one on ChrisLoh and kaking?
It's certainly easier than sparring with her.... there is milk, and there is milk.... talk about staying 5 years in Chelsea?! Luckily I didn't quote Mayfair that I stayed.

Anyway, good day/s to you, bro/sis. Wish you good luck in whatever you are pursuing or after. :imanangel: