SCIAF welcome Scottish government plan to increase overseas aid

SCIAF (Scottish International Aid Fund) has welcomed the increase in Scottish Government international aid spending in the draft Scottish budget published today.

Proposals include continued spending on humanitarian crises, helping people address the impacts of climate change abroad, and reaching the target set in 2021 of £15m in the next financial year for international development.

The budget also includes a commitment to establish a Private Jet Tax, something SCIAF and others have been calling for.

SCIAF's Director of Public Engagement, Ben Wilson, said: "This cash will provide a lifeline to people facing extreme poverty around world. It will help bring food, water, shelter, education and skills training to give people what they need at moments of crisis and build a better future. The commitment to establish a Private Jet Tax will help make sure the super-rich have to pay their fair share towards a better world.

"It's a sad reality that there are still hundreds of millions of people across the world today without access to clean water or enough food to feed themselves and their families. Whilst a few of the richest people in the world have more money than most countries do, millions are still going to bed hungry at night.

"Scotland's international development contribution is modest (accounting for about 0.04% of the budget published today). Nevertheless, this commitment is a hugely welcome gesture of solidarity in an increasingly challenged world, and a sign that even though times are tough at home, we don't forget those in desperate need overseas."

LINK

SCIAF: www.sciaf.org.uk/