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In order to draw out local inventiveness, we will convert ¥18 trillion of tied grants into financial resources for the regions.
The Democratic Party of Japan will break with the bureaucratically-led society, and aim to create a people-led society. We will clearly differentiate between the roles of central government and the regions, and create a decentralised society where regions can decide local issues for themselves based on "the principle of subsidiary". In order to achieve this, we will first of all guarantee resources to support the self-sufficiency of the regions. Furthermore, we will strengthen public service corporation reform and NPO assistance, and nurture a "regional vitality" that will support autonomy. |
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We will abolish approximately ¥18 trillion of the current ¥20 trillion of grants, excluding livelihood protection and the like, and shift to ¥5.5 trillion of devolved tax revenues and ¥12.5 trillion of lump-sum grants. The lump-sum grants will be provided to the regions allocated to broad categories such as "education", "social welfare", "agriculture and the environment" and "local economy" and local authorities will be able to use the revenue freely within these broad allocations. In contrast to the current 'tied grants', it will be as a rule unnecessary to appeal to central government for funds. |
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We will transfer administrative powers and tax resources at least equivalent to those provided to government ordinance-designated cities to key municipalities with a population of 300,000 or more. |
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We will proceed with the reform of public service corporations such as by relaxing conditions for establishment and making alterations to the tax system, as well as enhancing preferential tax treatment for non-profit organisations (NPOs), supporting the spontaneous activities of citizens in the regions. |
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