Debate on fiscal sustainability turns to land sale revenues, GST hikes

Singapore

A DISCUSSION on Singapore's budget threw up a robust debate on its fiscal sustainability with economists talking about politically sensitive measures such as dole-outs to struggling firms, public transport fare control and delinking GST hikes from political considerations.

Some also pondered over whether the government should start considering tapping past reserves and monies from land sales to boost its fiscal position - two sources not included in annual budget statements.