PRIVATE sector companies will be asked to partner the States to help people in developing countries. Overseas Aid Commission chairman Peter Roffey wants locally-based firms to supplement States funding for the commission’s projects.

‘The body is no longer a States committee but a commission which operates at arm’s length from the States. I believe it’s worth exploring whether we can get alternative funding to supplement that which comes from the States.’

‘The thinking behind it is that it is almost impossible to reach the United Nations targets of 0.7% of GDP going into overseas aid because tax rates are so low in Guernsey,’ he said.

‘The only way we think we can get closer to it is by encouraging companies to give directly.

‘Some of them may already be doing it but others may want to make use of our expertise and contacts with the leading non-governmental organisations.

‘If the Treasury decided to drop corporate tax to zero, there may be an even stronger case for companies to give a small part of their profits to overseas development projects.’

Deputy Roffey said he thought the finance industry would be a particularly good source of revenue because the companies are based in Guernsey but also part of the wider world.

‘Some may think that it would reflect well on them if they were to be seen to help the developing world,’ he said.

‘I don’t know if it will be successful. Most individuals like to give to their own charity, but perhaps we will be able to tap into companies who would like to help in the developing world but don’t have the knowledge or the expertise to assess the projects themselves.’

The idea was discussed by the commission for the first time on Monday. He said there was no timetable for the initiative but he would welcome any companies coming forward.

‘We may approach individual businesses or go through employer organisations but it will probably be a few months before we get around to doing it,’ said Deputy Roffey.