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Allowances for Non-Constituency MPs (NCMPs) will rise from 15 per cent of an MP\u2019s annual allowance to 30 per cent, or S$5,550 a month.<\/span><\/p>\n Mr Chan said this reflects the conferment of full voting rights to NCMPs since 2017, and brings their allowance into better alignment with their parliamentary responsibilities.<\/span><\/p>\n Nominated MPs will keep their existing peg of 15 per cent of an MP’s allowance.<\/span><\/p>\n The Leader of the Opposition, currently a vacant position, will continue to receive double an MP’s allowance, raising the role’s annual allowance from S$385,000 to S$518,000.<\/span><\/p>\n The allowance helps MPs perform community-based and legislative functions, including looking after the needs of their constituents and raising their concerns in parliament.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cFulfilling these duties well requires strong commitment and hard work from an MP,\u201d the independent review committee said in its report.<\/span><\/p>\n The allowance typically goes towards expenses incurred in discharging MP duties. This includes transport costs for grassroots events, attending parliamentary committee sessions and official briefings.<\/span><\/p>\n It also covers less visible costs such as buying food and refreshments for volunteers or giving \u201cbai jin\u201d \u2013 condolence money \u2013 at wakes within the constituency. MPs with smaller networks of grassroots supporters may rely on the allowance more heavily to fund such activities.<\/span><\/p>\n MPs are paid an allowance for the time and expenses incurred in carrying out these roles. Most serve on a part-time basis, letting them bring experience from other fields into parliamentary debate.<\/span><\/p>\n Mr Chan, who delivered a ministerial statement in parliament after Mr Wong on Tuesday, said the increase was to account for inflation.<\/span><\/p>\n Mr Wong said providing a proper allowance has enabled both the People\u2019s Action Party and the Workers\u2019 Party to recruit and field strong candidates.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe can see the result in this House. We have MPs with a wide range of backgrounds and experience, who bring different perspectives to our debates,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\nWhat is the allowance used for?<\/h2>\n
Why is an allowance increase necessary?<\/h2>\n