Marriage, parenthood workgroup advances early proposals to not 'lose time' on falling birth rates: Indranee

Singapore is fast-tracking policy recommendations aimed at bolstering family support and combating declining birth rates, rather than waiting for the full report from the Marriage and Parenthood Reset Workgroup. This decision comes after extensive engagements revealed a clear consensus among Singaporeans on the challenges facing families.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Indranee Rajah announced that interim policy recommendations have been advanced to ensure the nation does not "lose time" on this critical issue. Speaking at a National Day dinner in her ward, she highlighted that the workgroup, which is set to release its comprehensive report in early 2027, has identified key areas for immediate action. These include re-evaluating the costs associated with raising children and improving access to affordable infant and childcare services.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is slated to elaborate on these measures during the upcoming National Day Rally on August 23. Ms. Indranee, who chairs the workgroup, explained that some issues were so prominent in public discussions that addressing them sooner rather than later was deemed essential. "Rather than wait... because it's an important issue, (we) might as well deal with this early and upfront," she stated.

The workgroup's engagements have underscored that the financial burden of child-rearing and the availability of childcare are significant concerns for many Singaporeans. The upcoming National Day Rally will present the "first wave" of measures stemming from the workgroup's findings, with further initiatives to follow. Prime Minister Wong has previously indicated that a major review of government support for families throughout their life journey is underway, extending beyond the initial stages of marriage and parenthood.

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Rather than wait ... because it's an important issue, (we) might as well deal with this early and upfront.