Pyeongtaek City Actively Promotes Happiness Policy for Single-Person Households

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Jung Jun-seong] Pyeongtaek City has decided to actively promote happiness policies for single-person households. To this end, the city held a final report meeting on policy research for establishing customized support policies for single-person households on the 27th.

As of the end of July, single-person households in Pyeongtaek City numbered 108,759 households, accounting for 42.9% of the total 253,665 households, which is a higher proportion compared to other local governments, indicating that policy changes for single-person households are needed.

The policy research on single-person households was conducted by the Pyeongtaek Welfare Foundation starting in April, and includes analysis of the current status of single-person households and research on support measures. Additionally, a task force was formed with 13 related departments of Pyeongtaek City, and 34 policy tasks were identified.

Among the single-person household policy tasks, major projects include safety environment creation projects (CCTV installation in areas densely populated by single-person households, safe return home service support, and prevention of death from isolation among single middle-aged and elderly persons), as well as health promotion, residential environment, leisure and culture, social networks, and policy system improvements.

Mayor Jung Jang-seon stated, "A progressive policy that enables settlement is needed rather than a policy that promotes continuously increasing single-person households," and added, "I will concentrate administrative efforts so that single-person households can also enjoy safe and happy lives."

Based on the results of this policy research, the city plans to continue operating related departments and the task force while securing next year's budget to implement field-specific policies for single-person households.