More aid would mean more tax

Thursday 31st May 2007, 12:00AM BST.

ISLANDERS would have to pay an extra £16m in taxes if Jersey is to hit the UN target of 0.7% of GDP for overseas aid, says Treasury Minister Terry Le Sueur.

The Senator says that if Islanders want to increase the overseas aid contribution the States make, as recommended by a Scrutiny report, and if they are prepared to pay for it, then he would have no problem raising taxes to provide the money. Jersey Oxfam Group chairman Ed Le Quesne said that he supported a clear aim for the States, and said hitting the United Nations target was an achievable goal.

Read the full story in the Jersey Evening Post. Click here for subscription details. Individual editions are also available online.