Child, elder care and support to be boosted at urban, rural level

China will improve support measures for its three-child policy, easing the financial burden on families by adding care expenses for children under three years old into the special deductions list for individual income tax.

Moreover, the government will ensure the provision of relatively low-cost childcare, according to the Government Work Report delivered on Saturday.

Last May, the State Council released a policy document relaxing national family planning policy in support of couples wishing to have a third child. The policy is intended to promote the long-term balanced development of the population.

The document also put forward supporting measures to encourage births, including tax deductions, and improvements to public services related to family planning, particularly in terms of child-rearing, elder care and enhancing demographic surveys and forecasts.

This year's report also proactively responded to the aging population.

It stated that China will improve elderly care in urban and rural areas, and support the private sector and organizations in providing elder care services including day care, meal assistance and cleaning, as well as rehabilitation care.

It also encouraged elder care in rural areas. "We will promote the high-quality development of both elder care programs and the elder care sector," the report stated.