International development charity Progressio today welcomed the announcement by the Chancellor in the Comprehensive Spending Review confirming that Official Development Assistance (ODA) will rise to 0.7% of Gross National Income from 2013.
Progressio's Executive Director, Christine Allen said: "This commitment is good news for the millions of people worldwide for whom the UK's support means the difference between lives of poverty and lives of fulfilment and security. At a time when most areas of government spending are reducing, this renewed commitment could not be taken for granted and is to be welcomed."
As well as taking decisions on spending, the Government is currently reviewing many aspects of how its overseas aid is spent. Progressio's Advocacy Manager, Tim Aldred said: "The UK is recognised as a global leader in the fight against poverty.With the security of funding established today, we hope that the Department for International Development will be able to renew its long term commitment to addressing both the causes and the symptoms of poverty."
Photo: Progressio's International Programmes Director James Whitehead (left), Progressio Supporter James Trewby (centre), and Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell MP (right). (photo © Layton Thompson/Progressio)
Notes to Editors
1. To arrange an interview with Christine Allen or Tim Aldred, contact Keith Ewing, Communications Director, Progressio, +44 (0)7701 051971 or keith@progressio.org.uk
2. Progressio is an international charity with Catholic roots that enables poor communities to solve their own problems through support from skilled workers. And we lobby decision-makers to change policies that keep people poor. We were formerly the Catholic Institute for International Relations. For further information, see: www.progressio.org.uk
