Overseas Aid Support
1. UK Aid Spending: In 2022, the UK spent £12.8 billion on Official Development Assistance (ODA), which was 0.51% of the Gross National Income (GNI). This was an increase of £1.36 billion (11.9%) compared to 20211.
2. Aid Allocation: £3.69 billion of the ODA was spent on in-donor refugee costs, which was 28.9% of the total UK ODA. The top recipients of UK bilateral aid were Afghanistan (£353 million), Ukraine (£342 million), and Nigeria (£110 million)1.
3. Increase in Aid: In 2023, the UK provided £15.4 billion of ODA, with the ODA:GNI ratio rising to 0.58%. This included £4.3 billion spent on supporting refugees in the UK2.
Struggles Faced by British Pensioners
1. Pensioner Incomes: Since 2011, average pensioner incomes have grown at a similar rate to working-age incomes. However, income growth for poorer pensioners has lagged, leading to an increase in relative pensioner poverty from 13% in 2011-12 to 16% in 2022-23.
2. Pension Crisis: The UK is projected to hit a pension crisis point in the next two decades, with nearly three in five defined contribution pension savers expected to enter retirement with savings below expectations or below an adequate level.
3. Financial Struggles: Many pensioners are facing financial difficulties due to inadequate savings and rising living costs. The poorest third of pensioners have seen minimal income growth, with state pensions rising by only 6% between 2011-12 and 2022-23.
4. According to the October budget, the overseas aid budget is set at 0.5% of gross national income (GNI) for 2024 and 2025. Official Development Assistance (ODA) will be 13.7 billion pounds for 2025-2026.
Call to Action
It's crucial to address the disparity between overseas aid spending and the struggles faced by British citizens, particularly pensioners who have contributed to the nation throughout their lives. We must ensure that our resources are allocated in a way that supports both global humanitarian efforts and the well-being of our own citizens.
By signing this petition, you join a movement dedicated to creating a fairer and more compassionate society. Let's raise our voices and demand action from our government to address these pressing issues.