Rent Subsidy Funding: Chiang Wan-an Says 'Central Government Shouldn't Treat and Local Government Pay'

Central News Agency, Taipei, May 31. The National Land Management Agency (NLMA) stated yesterday that based on fiscal responsibility, rent subsidy funding will return to a shared mechanism between central and local governments starting next year. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an said today that many local governments do not agree, and it shouldn't feel like the 'central government treats and local government pays.' The NLMA explained that following the amendment of the Act Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures, local governments have more disposable funds, so the policy will return to the pre-2021 shared mechanism. Chiang attended a graduation ceremony today and responded to media inquiries. He noted that the rent subsidy policy has been fully funded by the central government since 2022, and mayors like Taoyuan's Chang San-cheng and Tainan's Huang Wei-che have also expressed concerns about local fiscal stability. Regarding a 'Parent-Child Card' proposal by a DPP mayoral candidate, Chiang said that Taipei has already implemented many pioneering childcare policies and any proposal can be discussed. He highlighted Taipei's existing initiatives, including social housing, a dedicated hospital for women and children, free school lunches, and expanded milk programs.