Reasons for 55% Increase in People's Association's Expenditure for Year Ended March 2025

46 Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) what are the reasons for the 55% increase in the People's Association's expenditure for activities and projects to $1,136 million for the year ended March 2025 against $733 million in the preceding financial year; and (b) what is the breakdown of the increased expenditure, by (i) activity and (ii) geography, respectively.

Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai: I am answering in my capacity as the Minister charged with the responsibility for the People's Association (PA).

The increase in PA's expenditure for activities and projects from the FY2023 to FY2024 was primarily driven by the Community Development Council (CDC) Vouchers Scheme, a national initiative that PA administers. The FY2024 expenditure covered payments to heartland merchants, hawkers and supermarkets across three tranches of CDC Vouchers, while the FY2023 expenditure covered these payments across two tranches. The increased expenditure incurred by PA in FY2024 reflects the additional tranche, as part of the greater support by the Government in providing direct financial relief to households for daily expenses.

The increase in PA's expenditure for activities and projects in FY2024 is also due to the supporting of a higher volume of events and programmes organised by grassroots organisations, CDCs and PA for the benefit of residents across Singapore.