by: Bart JP, Perspective Unlimited
Two months ago, I mentioned on this blog that my daughter Elena was born without any out of pocket expenses, courtesy of Britain's NHS.
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Healthcare is not the only form of welfare benefit we are receiving. Soon after we were discharged from hospital, we were provided with an application form to the Child Benefits Office. We received a letter this week from the office that child benefit for Elena has been approved. Child benefit is not some kind of tax credit, it is not means-tested, but outright cash for every child. Eighteen pounds a week (around S$54) would be credited into our account and it would be backdated to the week Elena was born. It is not a huge sum of money, but it is certainly enough for milk and diapers.
As Singaporeans, Grace and I feel are not used to receiving state benefits. We are constantly surprised that Britain's welfare benefits extend even to non-citizens. Unlike citizens who grow up in a welfare state, we will probably never learn to see these benefits as a right. The experience is therefore novel enough for us to feel a deep sense of gratitude every time we receive benefits.
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Sicko - The movie
In our country instead of rejoicing with you over your new bundle they are charging you by minutes for your bundle of joy.
ReplyDeleteYou are misleading your audience. Considering that in Britain, working adults are contributing roughly 33% (roughly 22% income, 11% national insurance) of their monthly income to the state on top of 17.5% VAT, yes, I think Britain surely can afford certain welfare. Do you want that in Singapore ?
ReplyDeleteBesides, I doubt the so-call Singapore are receiving any benefits since non-Europeans are not allowed any form of child benefits apart from free NHS.
Simply Misleading !!
The very reason that Singapore is low in income tax makes some people increase their wage by 60% as the taxes they pay is so low. Countries with high tax is stopping their law makers from exploiting their power to increase wages.
ReplyDeleteYou think Singapore cannot afford welfare even with low tax? If the people sitting in the "opera house" have their wages just equal to and not less than the US President, there is more than enough to go around and low cost medical as well.