Candidates battling in the Kowloon Central constituency in the upcoming Legislative Council elections pledged on Friday to promote childbirth, ease middle-class burdens and fast-track housing redevelopment at a government-organised forum.

Lee Chiu-yu, a member of the Business and Professionals Alliance and Kowloon City district councillor, said the government should maintain prudent public finances while introducing targeted tax allowances to ease people's burdens and support Hong Kong’s long-term policy goals.

“Recently everyone has received their tax bills; I’ve received mine too. You feel the pressure, and so do I. If I’m elected to Legco, I will urge the government to introduce targeted tax allowances, such as deductions for children’s education, children’s medical insurance, body check-ups, and more,” Lee said.

Yeung Nok-hin, an accountant, also called for stronger policies to encourage childbirth. He said his experience working with young people showed many families are not unwilling to have children, but that they have their share of concerns.

“They worry about not having enough space, not having enough money, and not having enough time to care for a child. So what can they do? I will push the government to introduce tax allowances for children’s education and for employing foreign domestic helpers,” Yeung said.

Incumbent Yang Wing-kit said improving the quality of life must include accelerating housing redevelopment, adding that he is committed to pushing for more renewal projects across ageing districts.

“I fully support allowing the sale of public housing so people can truly settle and thrive. We are fighting for more redevelopment projects – in the old districts of Hung Hom and Kowloon City,” Yang said.

The DAB's Starry Lee is seeking re-election too. Lee, who is also a district councillor and member of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, said she believes her background enables her to help the government tackle deep-rooted challenges and enhance governance.

“I will make full use of my platform at the NPC Standing Committee to push for more policies that benefit both the country and Hong Kong, and to create stronger momentum for the city’s development,” she said.

Yau Yiu-shing, a district councillor from the Federation of Trade Unions (FTU), said he would continue to focus on grassroots issues and labour rights in line with the FTU’s mission.

“Hong Kong has entered a new era of moving from stability to prosperity. Only when workers are properly protected can we grow the economy and improve people’s livelihoods. That’s why I firmly believe that supporting employment is the most urgent priority, and the first thing I stand for in this election is labour protection,” Yau said.

Tam Lee-yee, a compliance director, said she would focus on safeguarding the rights and interests of the middle class, which she believes bears the heaviest burden in society but receives the least support.

“The middle class pays the most taxes, receives the fewest benefits and faces the greatest pressure. I will fight for their interests, including allowing tax deductions for hiring foreign domestic helpers,” Tam said.

A total of 39 "Patriots Collaborate for Good Governance" election forums are being organised by the government, covering the geographical, functional and Election Committee constituencies.

All the forums are broadcast live on RTHK TV31 and RTHK Radio 1.