Yunlin boosts subsidies to tackle low birth rates

YUNLIN (TVBS News) — In an effort to boost birth rates, four townships in Yunlin County are set to increase their childbirth subsidies starting New Year's Day 2024, while plans are underway by the county government to further boost childbirth allowances, with specifics still being mapped out.

Beginning Jan. 1, Dongshi Township, Citong Township, Dounan Town, and Erlun Township are poised to offer subsidies of NT＄20,000, NT＄12,000, NT＄10,000, and NT＄6,000 respectively, to support local families with newborns.

According to statistics from Yunlin County's Department of Social Affairs, seven townships in the county currently provide additional childbirth or nutritional subsidies on their own initiative, as the county recorded a drop in newborns from 3,340 in 2022 to 2,939 by November 2023.

Among the county's 20 townships, 11 have reported fewer than 100 newborns, underscoring the wider issue of declining birth rates affecting the entire region.

Yunlin County Commissioner Chang Li-shan acknowledged that Taiwan is facing a demographic crisis with falling fertility rates, and stressed the county's proactive approach to addressing the challenge, with forthcoming announcements expected to detail the enhanced benefits for expecting families.