Essential Services of Health and Education are expected to receive strong funding increase, as was presented by the Treasurer Ian Link-Stuckey in the proposed 2024 National Budget. He said this will see an increase of K6.1 million this year, to K6.7 million next year, an increase of K512 million that is expected to support 3400 teachers and 890 health workers. The Treasurer also laid out that the Government Tuition Fee Subsidy funding has increased from K764 million to K851 million, making sure fee support gets through all registered schools. Increasing lawlessness in the country, has prompted increased funding of 9.5% for the Police and Judiciary as well. “This will include on-going support, 500 police with the commitment to increase police number to well over 10 000 over 2023.” Ling-Stuckey said four fold funding will go towards the Independent Commission against Corruption, Judiciary, and support to judges with Ombudsman Commission will also receive full funding. Continuing tough times that the household are experiencing will see the Government provide K440 million to families, in its Household Assistance Package. The Treasurer said the Government will also make permanent, the increase in tax-free threshold to K20 000 at an estimated cost of K280 million. “Workers earning K769/fortnight, this will provide a fortnightly saving of K63. The Treasurer said this historical budget with record revenue and high level work of budget allocations must now be converted to the hard work of effective and efficient implementation. “May we all work to meet the aspirations of our people.” He thanked his finance secretary, staff and other key departments and agencies who contributed to the successful compilation of the 2024 budget.