FIJIANS can expect no major surprises in the 2025- 2026 budget to be delivered next week but there will be good news across the board, says Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad.
He confirmed that an increase in social welfare allowances was under consideration.
“We have obviously listened very carefully. This is a government that has done that in the last two budgets.
“We have listened very carefully to the submissions.
“We are not going to be able to accept everything that people say, but the good thing is there are some really good suggestions, things that we could do this year, things that we may be able to do next year and beyond.”
Prof Prasad said he was encouraged by the level of civic engagement during consultations.
“So, it’s never a bad idea for submissions to come, and we are very pleased with the quality and the number of submissions that we received, not only from professional bodies and businesses, but also ordinary people.
“And that’s the beauty of creating an environment where people are free to express their ideas and submissions.”
He added that the budget planning process was progressing well.
