CONCERNING the query (Letters, May 8) as to the figures for remittances sent from the UK to developing countries by immigrants, my source is the estimates on global remittances in the report published by the World Bank in 2013.

The report was commissioned because the World Bank was aware that remittances globally had tripled in the previous decade and was expected to continue to rise at that rate.

The bank’s website further states that recorded figures by banks hugely underestimate the value of remittances.

The African Development Bank estimates that up to 75 per cent of remittances to Africa arrive through informal channels, in order to avoid – would you believe – excessive bank charges .

The UK Government is to be commended on committing the UN-recommended 0.7 per cent of GNI to foreign aid; but what is the point of belittling and frustrating the efforts of immigrants to greatly add to this aid by helping their families directly?

Many come from countries where the daily income per head is only £1.25.

Migrants from developing countries who are sending money home are assisting in the redistribution of global wealth by peaceful means.

The alternative response to resentment of the huge imbalance in living conditions is attacks on all things western.

Maurice Vassie, Deighton, York.