From Cost-of-Living to Housing: GE2025 Manifestos Tackle Middle-Class Pain Points

Singapore’s General Election 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal moment. Why? Because the manifestos from major political parties are zeroing in on issues that matter most to everyday Singaporeans.

From rising costs of living to housing affordability, these proposals aim to address middle-class pain points head-on. Let’s explore what each party offers and how it might impact you.

The Big Picture: What Are Parties Focusing On?

Every party has its own approach. But one thing is clear. They all agree that cost-of-living pressures and housing challenges need urgent attention. Here’s a quick summary before we get into the details:

Now let’s break this down further.

Cost-of-Living Challenges: How Parties Plan to Ease the Burden

Firstly, let’s talk about the cost of living. This is a hot-button issue for many families. Rising utility bills, food prices, and inflation have made life tougher. So, what are the parties proposing?

PAP: Targeted Support Through Rebates and Cash Payouts

• The PAP wants to provide more CDC vouchers.
• They also plan to offer utilities rebates and cash payouts.
• These measures aim to give immediate relief to households.
• Furthermore, they will focus on helping lower-income groups through Workfare and ComCare schemes.

However, critics argue that such handouts may only offer temporary relief.

WP: A National Minimum Wage and GST Exemptions

• The WP proposes introducing a national minimum wage.
• Additionally, they want to exempt essential items like rice and eggs from GST.
• They also suggest tiered utility pricing to help vulnerable groups.
• Besides that, they advocate for a Standing Parliamentary Committee on Cost of Living.

This approach aims to tackle root causes rather than just symptoms.

PSP: Rolling Back GST and Capping Hawker Rents

• The PSP wants to reverse GST from 9% back to 7%.
• Moreover, they propose capping hawker stall rents at $500 or 3% of turnover.
• They also suggest centralising hawker centre management under a government agency.
• For seniors, they plan to offer government-funded food discounts.

These ideas resonate with those who feel squeezed by daily expenses.

SDP: Cutting GST and Universal Healthcare

• The SDP plans to cut GST from 9% to 7%.
• They also propose eliminating GST on essentials like food and medicines.
• In addition, they advocate for a simple universal healthcare system.
• This would replace MediShield, MediSave, and CareShield.

Such proposals could simplify systems but might require significant funding.

RDU: Criticising Temporary Fixes

• The RDU criticises reliance on cash handouts and temporary vouchers.
• Instead, they’ve come up with their “H.E.A.R.T.” framework (which stands for housing, equitable healthcare, assured prosperity, resilient economy, and transparency) that focuses on long-term solutions over short-term fixes.

Their stance highlights growing concerns about sustainability.

Housing Affordability: A Major Concern for Middle-Class Families

Next, let’s turn our attention to housing. Many young couples struggle to afford their first home. Older residents worry about maintaining flat values as leases expire.

Here’s how parties plan to address these issues.

PAP: Building More Homes and Rejuvenating Towns

• The PAP promises to launch 50,000 new HDB flats.
• They also plan to rejuvenate older towns.
• Furthermore, they aim to diversify housing options.
• This includes expanding Active Ageing Centres for seniors.

While ambitious, some question whether supply can keep up with demand.

WP: Affordable Lease Options and Flexibility for Singles

• The WP suggests offering 70-year lease options at lower prices.
• They also want to allow singles to apply for BTO flats at age 28.
• Additionally, they push for faster by-elections to ensure accountability.

These moves could make homeownership more accessible for younger generations.

PSP: Reducing Wait Times and Managing Land Costs

• The PSP proposes deferring land cost payments for HDB buyers.
• They also call for reviewing how land sales proceeds are used.
• To reduce wait times, they suggest maintaining buffer stocks of flats.

Such steps could ease financial burdens for first-time buyers.

SDP: Introducing NOM Flats and Abolishing CPF Minimum Sums

• The SDP advocates for a Non-Open Market (NOM) housing scheme.
• NOM flats would be priced between $90,000 to $270,000.
• They also propose abolishing the CPF minimum sum requirement.
• This could free up retirement savings for other needs.

However, implementation challenges remain.

RDU: Resetting the HDB Model

• The RDU calls for resetting the HDB model entirely.
• They propose ensuring leasehold flats retain real value.
• Additionally, they want to avoid zero-value depreciation at 99 years.

This bold idea addresses long-standing concerns about lease decay.

Healthcare and Education: Key Pillars of Middle-Class Stability

Healthcare and education are crucial for any family’s well-being. Let’s see how parties plan to improve these areas.

PAP: Expanding Healthcare Capacity and Reforming Education

• The PAP aims to add 13,600 new hospital beds.
• They also plan to open new hospitals and create a National Mental Health Office.
• In education, they focus on joy of learning and teacher development.
• Early intervention for children with special needs is another priority.

These initiatives could enhance quality of life significantly.

WP: Interest-Free Loans and Flexible Work Arrangements

• The WP proposes interest-free SkillsFuture loans.
• They also mandate employers to facilitate flexible work arrangements.
• Such measures support lifelong learning and work-life balance.

This dual focus benefits both workers and students.

PSP: Centralising Drug Procurement and Lowering Costs

• The PSP wants to centralise drug procurement across public and private sectors.
• They also aim to lower healthcare costs by reducing middlemen fees.
• Nationalising MediShield Life and CareShield Life is another proposal.

These strategies could make healthcare more affordable.

SDP: Free Maternal Care and Smaller Class Sizes

• The SDP advocates for free maternal and paediatric care.
• They also propose capping primary school class sizes at 20 students.
• Eliminating school rankings could reduce stress on children too.

Such reforms prioritise holistic development.

RDU: Equitable Access Without Heavy Reliance on Savings

• The RDU pushes for broader access to affordable healthcare.
• They criticise heavy reliance on personal savings for medical expenses.
• Sustainable economic policies tie into their vision for fairness.

This approach aligns with global trends towards universal coverage.

What Does This Mean For You? 

So, what can you take away from all this? Here are some practical tips based on the manifestos:

1. Stay Informed: Keep track of policy announcements. Understand which proposals align with your priorities.
2. Plan Ahead: If housing affordability improves, consider entering the property market sooner.
3. Leverage Support: Take advantage of existing subsidies, rebates, and training programmes.
4. Advocate for Change: Voice your concerns during town halls or via feedback channels. Your input matters.
5. Diversify Investments: With potential shifts in CPF and housing policies, review your financial portfolio regularly.

A Turning Point for Singapore

GE2025 is not just about choosing leaders. It’s about shaping policies that affect your daily life. Whether it’s easing cost-of-living pressures, making housing affordable, or improving healthcare and education, every manifesto offers something unique.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. By understanding these proposals, you can make informed decisions that reflect your hopes for Singapore’s future. After all, democracy thrives when citizens engage actively.

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From Cost-of-Living to Housing: GE2025 Manifestos Tackle Middle-Class Pain Points