China tries to lift birth rate with new measures to make it easier to work and raise a family
- They include encouraging employers to allow flexible working arrangements, and preferential housing policies for families
- Policy document also calls for local governments to offer support on tax, insurance, education, housing and employment
China has introduced new measures to try to boost the nation’s low birth rate, including encouraging flexible working arrangements and preferential housing policies for families.
In a policy document issued by 17 ministries under the State Council in July – published by state media on Tuesday – the cabinet said an integrated approach would be taken to support marriage and make it easier for couples to have up to three children.
The new measures include encouraging employers to allow flexible hours and the option to work from home for employees with children.
Local authorities are to offer preferential housing policies for families with multiple children, such as providing bigger public housing flats.
The document also calls for families with multiple children that do not own their home to be allowed to withdraw money from the housing provident fund to pay their rent. Both employers and employees contribute to the fund, which was previously subject to a cap if used to pay rent.
Tax breaks are also to be offered for couples who have children aged under three – in addition to existing tax incentives for those with school-age children.
And the document calls for local governments to come up with a comprehensive package of support measures – covering tax, insurance, education, housing and employment – to encourage people to have children.