The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry is considering making it a local government obligation to help households struggling to make ends meet as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The plan applies to households that have taken out special government loans, which are provided free of interest to those whose incomes have declined because of the pandemic. With the prices of goods continuing to soar, the government deems it necessary to provide ongoing support, such as by helping them make household account books or look for jobs.
The government aims to revise the current law at next year's regular Diet session, to support the independence of people facing poverty.
