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Mon, 23 Mar 2026

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 Deputy calls for an end to Guernsey overseas aid

A Guernsey Deputy says there is strong support for scrapping the island’s £5.6m aid spending.

* Deputy Rob Curgenven suggests cutting Guernsey's £5.6m overseas aid budget due to local economic struggles.
* A social media poll showed 85% of respondents backed scrapping the funding, citing rising use of food banks and homelessness.
* The Overseas Aid and Development Commission argues that the funding has a lasting impact in communities abroad, but Curgenven says "charity begins at home".
* He believes Guernsey should focus on supporting its own citizens before giving to others.
* Critics argue that cutting aid would be irresponsible and contradict the island's values of helping those in need overseas.