Additional 100 billion won to be put toward heating bill support

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Additional 100 billion won to be put toward heating bill support

Published: 30 Jan. 2023, 16:54 Updated: 31 Jan. 2023, 00:28

Presidential spokesperson Kim Eun-hye announces that President Yoon Suk Yeol has approved the reserve of 100 billion won ($81.4 million) to supply support to pay for heating bills in the presidential office on Monday. [YONHAP]

President Yoon Suk Yeol approved the allocating of an additional 100 billion won ($81.4 million) to be used toward helping people pay for their heating bills, bringing the total financial support to 180 billion won.

The reserve was first passed in the Cabinet on Monday.

"The decision comes as an effort to lift the burden of heating costs for the vulnerable who are suffering from the unprecedented cold," the presidential office announced Monday.

The Cabinet meeting, originally scheduled for Tuesday, was held a day in advance, and Yoon approved the reserve around half past 1 p.m. after it was reviewed in the Cabinet meeting at 8:30 a.m., according to the presidential office.

The Cabinet's review for the reserve was categorized as an urgent item that bypassed the process of vice-ministerial approval, which is usually held a week before the Cabinet meeting.

The reserve fund is the government's budget reserved for future contingencies. Upon approval by the National Assembly, it can be used for the government's policy implementation.

BY SOHN DONG-JOO [sohn.dongjoo@joongang.co.kr]