Guernsey overseas aid budget 'should not increase'

Deputy Trott said there was a growing feeling that "charity begins at home"

Guernsey's overseas aid budget will not be increased, if recommendations by the Policy Council are approved.

In October 2010, the council was told by States members to investigate how the annual aid budget could be taken up to the UN-agreed level of 0.7% of GNP.

However in a report due to be debated in January 2012, it has recommended that the States "maintain its current level of contribution".

In 2010, Guernsey granted a total of £2,518,447 - representing 0.13% of GNP.

The Policy Council confirmed on 7 September, 2009 that "progressing towards the target of 0.7%" was a "States approved objective".

However the new report proposes a funding policy that "will not commit to additional expenditure".

Chief Minister Lyndon Trott said public opinion on overseas aid had changed.

"Over recent years, the feeling that 'charity begins at home' has gained momentum," he said.

However he suggested the proposed policy could be reviewed "once there is a higher degree of certainty over corporate taxation and when the island's fiscal position improves".