By Ang Yiying

MS SHENNON Khong, 30, her husband Kelvin Lee, 36, and their children Brandon, two, and nine-month-old Hannah live in a five-room HDB flat in Jurong West.

The family has an Indonesian maid.

Ms Khong heads a department in a non-profit organisation, while her husband is a sales manager in the manufacturing industry.

WHAT SHE WANTS

Utility bill rebates, a reduction in property tax and income tax rebates to defray the cost of living.

She is also hoping for savings in petrol, as she ferries her young children every weekday to caregivers in a Honda Stream.

She would also welcome a 50 per cent subsidy in fees for young children to attend playgroups.

Ms Khong said her family was 'stuck in the middle'.

While their combined household income is above $8,000, 'it is not a lot for the fact that you have so many mouths to feed and you have to support non-working parents'.

The family bought a private property last year, not expecting the downturn, and would like to see a reduction in stamp duty. 'It is easily a five-digit figure.'

WHAT EXPERTS SAY

Helping households cope with their daily expenses will be a top priority for the Government, so expect a slew of rebates.

These could include U-Save payouts for utilities, as well as rebates for service and conservancy charges, HDB rentals, and property tax.

Other rebates like offsets to the goods and services tax could also be extended.

Rebates on road and motor vehicle taxes could be considered as well, said economists from United Overseas Bank.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on January 17, 2009.