INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

We will end world hunger.

“The worst thing to ever happen to Africa was the invention of the charity.”

Andrew Greenhalgh

The Stark Reality

UK Charitable Giving vs. Global Hunger In 2023 alone, UK charities received over £13.9 billion in donations. The UN estimates that eradicating world hunger would cost approximately £33.3 billion annually over the next three to five years. This disparity raises a critical question: why hasn't world hunger been eliminated?

The Profit Motive

A Barrier To Solving Global Issues The UK alone could end world hunger if it chose to. However, the current economic system prioritises profit over humanitarian efforts. Addressing global hunger would require a significant financial commitment, yet the focus remains on financial gain rather than aiding those in need.

The Paradox

Charities As Profitable Enterprises Charities are highly profitable organisations. The voluntary sector's annual expenditure is £35.8 billion, and it employs 1.1 million full-time staff with some CEOs being paid upwards of £1 million—from your donation money—per annum. This raises a paradox: solving problems like world hunger could reduce the need for such organisations, potentially leading to job losses. Thus, poverty inadvertently sustains employment within the charity sector.

The Financial Irony: Interest Payments vs. Aid

Each year, the UK spends three times the cost of solving world hunger on bank interest repayments alone. This means that allowing world hunger to persist is a conscious decision by our governments and financial institutions to prioritise debt servicing over humanitarian aid.

A Call For Prioritising Humanity Over Profit

Once again, we see how the current economic and financial systems place profit above human welfare. To address global issues like hunger, a fundamental shift in priorities is necessary, focusing on humanitarian needs before financial gain.

Ensuring Transparency and Accountability in Charitable Organisations

We are committed to conducting a comprehensive investigation and audit of every UK charity, as well as any charitable organisation benefiting financially from the UK, to uncover misappropriation and fraud. Persistent issues like hunger and poverty are unacceptable and will no longer be tolerated. Charities failing to demonstrate significant improvement in these areas will be barred from receiving donations.

Addressing Fraud In The Charity Sector

Recent reports indicate that misappropriation of cash or assets accounts for 40% of fraud cases within charities, with 33% attributed to authorised push payment (APP) or payment diversion fraud. Additionally, 78% of charities have experienced fraud, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced oversight.

Source bdo.co.uk

Implementing Rigorous Audits and Examinations

Every charity will be required to undergo independent external audits or examinations. We will ensure that these audits are thorough and transparent, holding organisations accountable for their financial management.

Strengthening Internal Controls

Half of all detected charity fraud is committed by internal perpetrators.

We will enforce robust internal controls and foster an anti-fraud culture to protect charitable assets and maintain public trust. Those found guilty of charity fraud will be barred from the sector indefinitely.

Prioritising Effective Use of Donations

Charities must demonstrate tangible improvements in addressing societal issues. Organisations failing to show measurable progress in areas like hunger and poverty will be prohibited from soliciting or receiving donations, ensuring that funds are directed toward effective and impactful initiatives.