Public Backs “Retirement Lottery” savings bonds

The Ministry of Finance has announced the outcomes of a public consultation on the proposed revisions to the National Savings Fund Act, held from August 16 to 30. The feedback focused on potential amendments, such as the launch of retirement savings bonds, also termed as a “Retirement Lottery.”

Key Takeways

• The Ministry of Finance conducted a public consultation on potential amendments to the National Savings Fund Act, particularly about introducing retirement savings bonds or a “Retirement Lottery.” About 99.05% of respondents endorsed this concept, where savings can accumulate regardless of bond outcomes.
• Key feedback included that 92.45% believed funds should be returned at 60 years old, and 98.11% supported returning funds and investment returns to heirs if the participant dies. Additionally, 80.2% favored receiving savings as a lump sum upon retirement.
• Public suggestions involved extending participation age beyond 60 and broadening eligibility. The government is considering these inputs in its review process. The revised National Savings Fund Act is anticipated to be presented to the Cabinet from early to mid-October, aiming to widen its beneficiary base.

An overwhelming 99.05% of participants endorsed the idea, which permits savers to build funds irrespective of the bond’s success. Furthermore, 92.45% concurred that the money spent on these bonds should be reimbursed when participants turn 60 years old, and 98.11% favored the option to bequeath the funds and any accrued returns to heirs upon the bondholder’s demise. A majority of 80.2% expressed a preference for receiving their savings in a single payment at retirement. Public suggestions also proposed raising the age cap for contributions past 60 and broadening the eligibility to include more than just informal sector workers. These proposals are currently under governmental review. The draft of the National Savings Fund Act is slated for submission to the Cabinet in early to mid-October, aiming to extend the program’s reach to a wider demographic.

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