Money still not enough to encourage procreation

ALL content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.
http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/money-still-not-enough-encourage-procreation

The Government last year gave out more than S$8.3 billion in tax rebates and reliefs aimed at encouraging procreation in the Year of Assessment 2012, benefiting more than 850,000 working mums and dads.

Separately, the Baby Bonus scheme, which was launched in 2001, has disbursed more than S$2.3 billion in benefits. This includes a cash gift and the Child Development Account — a scheme under which the Government matches savings for children, dollar-for-dollar.

But while such incentives can ease the financial burden of bringing up children, those interviewed said money is not everything — the incentives may encourage those who already have children to have more, but they may not change the minds of couples who do not want any children in the first place.

The Government is expected to announce enhancements to the Baby Bonus under its marriage and parenthood package, but experts said what is needed is a supportive environment at home and at work, among other things.

Mrs Joni Ong, President of advocacy group I Love Children, said: “I agree that money is useful but money isn’t everything. I believe if you love children and you want to have children to complete your family, no matter how much money there is or not there, you will proceed to have the babies anyway.”

Assistant Marketing Manager Lum Sook Fong, 36, who collected nearly S$27,000 in child tax reliefs last year, felt it would be useful if the Baby Bonus is raised. “What we have, can only tide us over for the first few years. After that, I have to start paying cash for their childcare,” said the mother of two.

“Another issue is the family support like maybe having grandparents to be there to take care of the kids. As a working mum, I would say that the environment is very important and also the work-life balance that we have.”