Policy Address rolls out 11 measures aimed at boosting childbirths

The latest Policy Address details 11 measures aimed at boosting childbirths in the city, including the introduction of a progressive allowance system and increased tax deductions.

This as Chief Executive John Lee hopes the community will appreciate the government's efforts to create a child-friendly environment in the city.

As Hong Kong's birth rate remains among the lowest globally, the government introduced 11 measures aimed at encouraging childbirth.

The 20,000-dollar one-time cash allowance for newborns originally set to expire this October has been extended.

Additionally, the bonus has been increased to 30,000 dollars for every child born after the first.

The measure will be in effect for three years.

A progressive child tax allowance system takes effect today, raising the allowance for the second-born and subsequent children to 160,000 dollars.

Regarding child-care services, authorities will build three new subsidised standalone child care centres, which will add around 1,800 day care places for children before the end of 2030.

We are basically using bonuses, which is in terms of cash, and making tax concessions, so that they will know that when the child is being developed, the government will try to help them with the tax concession.

We'll provide facilities to take care of the children.

So, we do the best we can.

This as some residents share their thoughts on the government's latest childbirth incentives.

If there is a bonus for me, I would like to have kids.

Living expenses nowadays are quite high, so if the allowance is higher, it may, to an extent, encourage part of the population to have more children.

You have to consider many things before raising a child like education fees.

If they can't even pay the rent, they would not consider having a child.

Sure, it would be a great idea.

I've already got two babies so I don't think I need any more.

Mainly because the size of living here is quite tight.

But that is a good incentive for people to consider.

Many residents have expressed support for the government's latest expansion of measures aimed at boosting childbirths in the city.

While calling the increased allowances a helpful arrangement for starting families, several hope the figure could be increased to address rising commodity prices.