UK budget: aid untouched

As part of the UK Aid Network, Concern sent a letter to Alistair Darling, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, ahead of the budget, asking him to maintain the government’s commitment to international aid.

Maintaining commitment

Thankfully, the government pledged its commitment to international development aid.

Despite the dire economic conditions, the budget confirmed that aid increases will remain at the levels forecast in 2007. This includes £7.47 billion for the current financial year, and an increase to £9.1 billion in 2010 – 2011.

Exceeding expectations

As a result of this, the government expects to exceed its commitment to spend 0.6% of its national income on overseas aid. Concern welcomes this move which brings the UK closer to the 0.7% of GNP target established by the United Nations.

We believe that maintaining these aid levels will help to protect some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people in these incredibly difficult times.