In order to strengthen measures against the declining birthrate, the House of Representatives has begun deliberating a bill to revise the Child and Child Care Support Act, which includes the expansion of child allowances and childcare leave benefits, and the establishment of a "support grant system" as a financial source.
The proposed revision will eliminate income limits for child allowances starting from the December payment of this year, expand eligibility up to the age of 18, and provide up to 28 days of effective take-home pay if both parents take 14 days or more of childcare leave. The plan includes raising childcare leave benefits to prevent a decline in childcare leave benefits.
In order to secure financial resources, a ``support system'' will be established to collect money from citizens and businesses through public medical insurance, and the government plans to start implementing it in stages from fiscal 2026.
The revised bill was discussed at a plenary session of the House of Representatives on the 2nd, and after Kato, Minister in charge of Children's Policy, explained its purpose, a question-and-answer session was held.
Akiko Okamoto of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan said, ``The government repeatedly says things like ``no real burden'' even though it will increase the burden on the people, making it appear as though the burden is less.Furthermore, the burden is heavier on active workers, and the government is making it seem as if the burden is less.・Wouldn't this be a tax increase for both business owners?''
Prime Minister Kishida: ``There will be no real burden''
In response, Prime Minister Kishida said, ``Basically, the support subsidy system should be established within the scope of the effect of reducing insurance premium burdens through expenditure reform, and there would be no real burden.'' "Considering that the funding will be widely contributed by the government and will be used together with public funds to greatly expand benefits to families with children, it is not correct to argue that the burden is heavier on working generations," he said, asking for understanding.
On the other hand, regarding the ``support amount,'' Prime Minister Kishida said, ``It is important for insured persons to be aware of the purpose of the system, and we are taking necessary steps to expand efforts to display the amount on pay slips, etc.'' I will go.''
Komei representative Yamaguchi: ``The government should provide a thorough explanation.''
At a press conference, Komeito representative Yamaguchi said, ``The significance of the system and the burden on individuals have not been fully communicated to the people. Enhancement of childcare measures with responsible financial resources will ultimately benefit all generations.'' "We need people to understand that we want to make the social security system sustainable. I want the government to provide a thorough explanation."