Inclusion of Arts-related Businesses as Participating Merchants in CDC Vouchers Scheme

28 Ms Usha Chandradas asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) what is the Ministry's policy on the inclusion of arts-related businesses as participating merchants in the Community Development Council Vouchers Scheme; (b) whether certain types of arts-related businesses have been excluded from the scope of the scheme; and (c) if so, what are the reasons for such exclusion.

Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai: The aim of the Community Development Council Vouchers Scheme is primarily to support Singaporeans in addressing cost of living issues. Hence, the focus of the scheme is to support Singaporeans in their daily expenses, such as daily necessities like food and groceries, and boost the businesses of heartland merchants and hawkers, rather than to subsidise all goods and services to residents.

Nevertheless, arts-related businesses in the heartlands can apply to join the scheme and be considered on a case-by-case basis. In addition, the People's Association also provides subsidised arts-related courses and programmes for residents in the heartlands.