IT is right that developed countries assist those less fortunate or slower to develop through aid when they really need it. What must be questioned is the annual writing of aid cheques on a “this is how we have always done it” basis.

The measurement used to determine how much aid we in Great Britain give is out of tune with global thinking. The 0.7 per cent of our Gross National Income (GNI) ringfenced for aid is out of kilter with the other G7 members who spend 0.2 per cent of their GNI.

The increase was invoked by one David Cameron and adds weight to his poor legacy. The £13bn a year spent on overseas aid represents in real terms a spending each year of £360 for each income tax payer. The total is set to rise to £16bn by 2020.

Ukip was the first party to begin questioning our overseas aid policy.

As with immigration, we were vilified by the great and good of the left but now, as with immigration, overseas aid is a mainstream topic.

The £4m of our aid spent in Ethiopia on an all-girl pop group highlights just one of the extremely ridiculous areas of spend. These are thankfully in the minority but they bring to the fore the lack of accountability and management of monies once handed over to often corrupt governments.

Why did we hand £185m in 2015 to India? It has one of the fastest growing economies in the world. It has a space programme. It recently launched a rocket with 103 satellites on board. Last year it ordered £4n of bullet trains to improve their own rail network – are the customers of Southern Rail reading this?

For sure 0.7 per cent of our GNI is a considerable sum. Why not reduce it to 0.2 per cent in line with our G7 partners and ring fence that money to be spent on real tangible aid: water pumps, malaria vaccinations, mosquito tents and nets, tents, blankets etc.

The saving from the overseas aid budget would cover annually the deficit in care for the elderly.

It would prevent local authorities having to rely on a five per cent increase in council tax.

A re-think is needed. We have to put our elderly and vulnerable in this country first. A reduction in overseas aid would be a far easier sell to the public than a five per cent increase in council tax.

Stephen Place, chair, Ukip Richmond constituency