Taiwan’s childcare subsidies and public preschool capacities will be boosted as part of government efforts to lift the country’s birthrate, Premier Su Tseng-chang said Feb. 4.
Subsidies for households with children under the age of five are set for a rise of NT$1,000 (US$35.77) per month to NT$3,500 effective Aug. 1 before increasing by NT$1,500 to NT$5,000 a year later. Tuition fees for those attending public preschools aged two to six will fall by NT$1,000 per month from August, with a further cut of NT$500 around the middle of 2022.
These measures are complemented by a planned additional reduction of NT$1,000 and NT$2,000 for a second and third child, respectively, commencing August next year. In addition, the capacities of public childcare centers and preschools are to be expanded by 64,000 places for children up to the age of six by 2025.
According to Su, President Tsai Ing-wen has left no stone unturned in easing the financial burden of childcare since taking office in May 2016. This commitment is evidenced by bigger budget allocations, he said, citing rises from NT$15 billion five years ago to more than NT$55 billion this year and NT$85 billion in 2023.
The government will continue coordinating related public sector initiatives and programs to lighten the load on expectant parents and those with young children, Su said. There is no greater nor worthy mission than creating optimal conditions for more marriages and newborns on the road to developing Taiwan’s next generation, he added. (YCH-E)
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