Baek Jong-han, Gwangju Seo-gu Council Member, "Concerns Over Welfare Gaps Due to Tax Revenue Decline"

Published 19 Oct.2023 12:37(KST)

Baek Jong-han, a member of the Seo-gu District Council in Gwangju Metropolitan City, pointed out that "there are concerns about welfare gaps due to the deterioration of local finances."

On the 19th, during the 3rd plenary session of the 315th extraordinary meeting, Councilor Baek stated, "Local finances are being pushed into crisis due to a decrease in national taxes and economic recession."

He added, "At times like this, we must pay close attention to ensure that there are no gaps in the fields of safety, health, and welfare, which tend to be neglected."

In fact, the grants that were confirmed at the beginning of this year were urgently cut after September, decreasing by about 15 billion KRW. As a result, the amount of grants decreased by approximately 20 billion KRW compared to the previous year.

Due to the non-allocation of national and city subsidies, some projects have been abolished or reduced, or the burden ratio of district funds has increased.

Councilor Baek expressed concern about the aftereffects of budget cuts in various fields such as support for small and medium-sized enterprises, youth, and welfare, stating, "Local governments, which should promote the welfare of residents, must faithfully fulfill their roles and make every effort to prevent the collapse of the public welfare system."