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On April 12, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the 4th meeting in 2018 of the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy at the Prime Minister's Office.
 
At the meeting, discussion took place on approaches to future reforms and priority issues for social security and social infrastructure development, two themes of the Integrated Economic and Fiscal Reforms.
 
Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,
 
“Today, we discussed approaches to future reforms and priority issues for social security and social infrastructure development, as specific items of the Integrated Economic and Fiscal Reforms.
 
Firstly, with regard to social security, which accounts for the major portion of our government finances, we must thoroughly review the direction of reforms to be implemented over the next three years, including the level of expenditure. In doing so, we will need to take into consideration the structural changes following 2022, when the baby boomer generation will begin to turn 75. I ask that relevant ministers carry out detailed reviews.
 
Secondly, regarding future social infrastructure development, we must work toward extending service life as well as achieving thorough streamlining and prioritization. Council members from the private sector pointed out that the execution of budgets by ministries and agencies concentrate on the end of the fiscal year. I ask that relevant ministers, including Minister Ishii, work on strengthening initiatives aimed at leveling out budget execution.”