THE Department for International Development now annually spends 0.7% of the UK's national income on aid to poorer countries.
In 2014, that equates to £12.6 billion. This will be more than the annual £12.1 billion budget for our police. The only countries that achieve this 0.7% target are Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark and Luxembourg. America actually gives the most money, but as a percentage of national income it is only about 0.2%. Russia only gives 0.03% and Italy 0.16%. The UK is the second largest donor. The next three are Germany, France and Japan.
The total amount of overseas aid from the top 10 major world economies for 2014 is about £65 billion. Remember one billion is one thousand million pounds. A significant amount of this money goes to Africa. If that is the case, why are there so many children in this country needing food and medicine?
It is widely accepted that overseas aid does not always go to the poorest that need it most. When giving such large amounts of money away, it has to be remembered that the UK's national debt is £1,185 billion or, put another way, £18,606 per person. It is vital that, whichever Government is in power, the overseas aid budget is strictly monitored to ensure that every pound goes to a worthy cause.
It is very rare to see anything in the media to say where this vast amount of money is being spent each year. This needs to change. The public is entitled to know where it is going and what it is being spent on.
As the UK economy improves, the amount we give to overseas aid will increase proportionately. The taxpayer is providing the money. I am sure that many will think we are giving too much considering the funding problems the NHS and other Government departments have.
Dave Fearn
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Kilburn
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