Future of UK aid and development assistance

International Development Committee Open Inquiry
Opened: 15 Sep 2025 Parliament page
A new inquiry into the future of the UK’s international aid and development assistance programmes has been launched by the International Development Committee. It will examine how the UK can continue to deliver high impact international aid and development assistance in the face of a 40% budget cut as the … Read more
13 Recommendations
14 Conclusions
2 Reports
4 Oral sessions
3 Letters
4 Events
Activity timeline 14 events
28 Apr
2026
Report published
22 Apr
2026
Report published
24 Mar
2026
Oral evidence
24 Mar
2026
Correspondence
24 Mar
2026
Correspondence
24 Mar
2026
Correspondence
24 Mar
2026
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · The Boothroyd Room, Portcullis House
5 Feb
2026
Report published
27 Jan
2026
Oral evidence
27 Jan
2026
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Science Gallery London, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9GU
20 Jan
2026
Oral evidence
20 Jan
2026
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · The Wilson Room, Portcullis House
Oral evidence sessions 4 sessions
24 Mar 2026
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The development work of the FCDO
Melinda Bohannon · Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Nick Dyer · Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP · Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office The Rt Hon. the Baroness Chapman of Darlington · Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
27 Jan 2026
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Future of UK aid and development assistance
Bel Trew · The Independent Chido Govera · Future of Hope Foundation (Zimbabwe) Finian Ali · Scaling Up Nutrition Network (Nigeria) Jennifer Hudson · Development Engagement Lab Luke Tryl · More in Common Sapphire Alexander · Caribbean Feminist (Trinidad and Tobago)
20 Jan 2026
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Future of UK aid and development assistance
Melinda Bohannon · Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office The Rt Hon. the Baroness Chapman of Darlington · Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
25 Nov 2025
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Future of UK Aid and Development Assistance
Freddie Carver · ODI Global Gideon Rabinowitz · Bond Lois Austin · Public and Commercial Services (PCS) trade union Martin John · Public and Commercial Services (PCS) trade union Ms Anna Schuesterl · ODI Global Professor Emma Mawdsley · University of Cambridge
Recommendations & Conclusions
27 results
1 Conclusion Rejected
9th Report - Future of UK aid and …
Government lacks clear strategy for aligning multilateral ODA spending with its principles.
The Government plans to spend a greater proportion of its shrinking ODA pot through multilateral institutions. There is logic to this, but the Government is yet to set out how it will ensure that its multilateral programme spending is used … Read more
Government Response
The government disagrees with the conclusion, stating that they are strategically targeting multilateral investments, publishing ODA programme allocations, and adhering to OECD DAC rules while prioritizing poverty reduction.
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2 Conclusion Rejected
9th Report - Future of UK aid and …
Multilateral development review urgently needed for understanding ODA commitments and performance.
A multilateral development review is urgently needed to underpin the change in proportion of ODA spent through this channel. The Government needs a clear understanding of its current commitments and the performance of multilateral organisations it supports. (Conclusion, Paragraph 12) Read more
Government Response
The Government disagrees that a multilateral development review is required to evaluate the performance of multilateral organisations.
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3 Recommendation Rejected
9th Report - Future of UK aid and …
Commission a multilateral development review to report on supported organisations' performance by 2026.
The Government should commission a multilateral development review to consider and report on the performance of the organisations it supports, before the end of 2026. (Recommendation, Paragraph 13)
Government Response
The government disagrees, stating that existing mechanisms like the Programme Operating Framework and external assessments already sufficiently evaluate the performance of multilateral organizations.
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4 Conclusion Rejected
9th Report - Future of UK aid and …
Government must maintain accountability and leverage UK soft power in ODA spending.
It is the responsibility of the Government to remain accountable to the public, principally through Parliament, on how ODA is spent. However, it is also morally obliged to be accountable to those receiving UK ODA and their governments. We agree … Read more
Government Response
The government disagrees, stating they are putting modern development partnerships at the heart of their new approach, responding to partners' needs, and using the UK's global soft power assets to promote UK values.
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5 Recommendation Accepted
9th Report - Future of UK aid and …
Establish communication plan with partners and improve FCDO data accessibility on multilateral spending.
To improve communication and transparency around multilateral spend, we recommend that: a. the Government works with multilateral partners on a communication plan which will convey to bilateral partners and the UK public the work that the UK Government supports; b. … Read more
Government Response
The government disagrees with the recommendation, stating they are putting modern development partnerships at the heart of its new approach, reflects the needs of the UK’s partners. The UK will also continue to use our influence to push the big international institutions to solve global issues.
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6 Conclusion Acknowledged
9th Report - Future of UK aid and …
Government has not safeguarded internal resources to maintain multilateral ODA influence and expertise.
To be effective, the Government’s aspiration to spend ODA more efficiently through a reformed multilateral system requires two things: influence and expertise. Both require money that is well targeted and accountable. The Government has not provided adequate reassurance that the … Read more
Government Response
The FCDO is committed to ensuring it has the development capability and technical expertise needed, and is implementing a new Capability Framework and developing a Workforce Strategy.
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7 Recommendation Acknowledged
9th Report - Future of UK aid and …
Assess staffing requirements for multilateral partner reform and retain capacity under FCDO 2030.
We urge the Government to fully assess requirements for the staffing required to oversee and support reform of the UK’s multilateral partners by an upfront skills audit focussed on what is needed to support a future aid landscape. Steps should … Read more
Government Response
The FCDO is committed to ensuring it has the development capability and technical expertise needed, and is implementing a new Capability Framework and developing a Workforce Strategy.
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8 Conclusion Acknowledged
9th Report - Future of UK aid and …
In-country missions require greater autonomy for ODA spending within the FCDO policy framework.
The FCDO has an impressive and nuanced understanding of situations on- the-ground through its overseas network and local staff. As part of the next round of spending decisions, in-country missions must have the autonomy needed to spend ODA within the … Read more
Government Response
The FCDO says it is taking a partnership-led approach, giving the country network flexibility to deliver development partners want, and changing how Ministers approve bilateral programming; multiyear allocations include specific allocations for geographic areas and countries; and CMPs have undergone review to improve value for money and impact.
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9 Recommendation Accepted in Part
9th Report - Future of UK aid and …
Earmark bilateral ODA and grant missions autonomy for Centrally Managed Programme approval.
To enable the FCDO to provide relevant and impactful support in its bilateral partner countries: a. sufficient levels of bilateral ODA must be earmarked for programmes, the design and delivery of which would be overseen by the FCDO (and other … Read more
Government Response
The FCDO is taking a partnership-led approach to development and will have flexibility to deliver the development our partners want. CMPs have undergone a thorough review, posts will be able to draw on central Communities of Expertise. FCDO recognizes the importance of sufficient capacity overseas, will work increasingly in partnership with local actors.
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10 Conclusion Acknowledged
9th Report - Future of UK aid and …
Encourage collaboration among missions to efficiently utilise funds and expertise on shared opportunities.
Where missions across a region, or a thematic area, have identified shared opportunities and solutions, collaboration should be encouraged. Supporting such initiatives will be an efficient use of limited funds as well as a good utilisation of expertise, whether in … Read more
Government Response
The FCDO says it is taking a partnership-led approach, giving the country network flexibility to deliver development partners want, and changing how Ministers approve bilateral programming; multiyear allocations include specific allocations for geographic areas and countries; and CMPs have undergone review to improve value for money and impact.
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11 Conclusion Acknowledged
9th Report - Future of UK aid and …
Badly designed development and humanitarian assistance poses risks to beneficiaries and UK reputation.
Badly designed and delivered development and humanitarian assistance is bad for the UK. It carries risks to those it is designed to serve and reputational risks to the UK Government. (Conclusion, Paragraph 27)
Government Response
The FCDO says it is taking a partnership-led approach, giving the country network flexibility to deliver development partners want, and changing how Ministers approve bilateral programming; multiyear allocations include specific allocations for geographic areas and countries; and CMPs have undergone review to improve value for money and impact.
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12 Recommendation Acknowledged
9th Report - Future of UK aid and …
Ensure missions have access to in-house thematic, geographic expertise, and vital local staff.
Missions must, therefore, have access to in-house expertise both on the ground and in the UK. This expertise needs to cover both thematic issues relating to poverty alleviation, as well as the geographic knowledge of specific contexts. Local staff are … Read more
Government Response
The FCDO states that it is taking a partnership-led approach, that the country network will have flexibility to deliver development, and that Posts will be able to draw on central Communities of Expertise.
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13 Recommendation Not Addressed
9th Report - Future of UK aid and …
Provide details on prioritising poverty reduction during FCDO departmental restructuring.
We request that, in its response to this report, the Government provides details on how it intends to prioritise poverty reduction as it restructures the department. (Recommendation, Paragraph 30)
Government Response
The FCDO is committed to ensuring it has the development capability and technical expertise needed, and is implementing a new Capability Framework and developing a Workforce Strategy.
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14 Conclusion Acknowledged
9th Report - Future of UK aid and …
Committee reiterates concerns regarding FCDO 2030 programme sequencing and implementation speed.
We reiterate our previous concerns around the sequencing and speed of the FCDO 2030 programme. (Conclusion, Paragraph 32)
Government Response
The FCDO is implementing a new Capability Framework, developing a Workforce Strategy for the Spending Review period and working through a detailed design process to ensure that the future FCDO workforce is sufficiently skilled to deliver Ministerial priorities within the agreed Spending Review settlement, but it is not being paused.
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15 Recommendation Accepted in Part
9th Report - Future of UK aid and …
Pause FCDO restructuring until staffing, skills, equalities, and ODA impact assessments are completed.
We call on the Government to pause the processes currently underway until the following actions have been completed: a. a structured assessment of staffing required to deliver the Government’s priorities both in the UK and in countries with a diplomatic … Read more
Government Response
The FCDO is implementing a new Capability Framework, developing a Workforce Strategy for the Spending Review period and working through a detailed design process to ensure that the future FCDO workforce is sufficiently skilled to deliver Ministerial priorities within the agreed Spending Review settlement, but it is not being paused.
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16 Conclusion Acknowledged
9th Report - Future of UK aid and …
Alarm over Development Minister's apparent misunderstanding of ICAI's distinct role.
The existence and adequate resourcing of the Independent Commission on Aid Impact sends a powerful message to all stakeholders that the UK takes transparency and value for money seriously. We are alarmed by apparent misunderstanding of the ICAI’s distinct role … Read more
Government Response
The Government states they are clear about ICAI’s role and take ICAI reports seriously, and that they remain committed to supporting ICAI for at least the next 3 years; with a average programme allocation of £1.68m per year and £685,000 for operating costs.
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17 Recommendation Acknowledged
9th Report - Future of UK aid and …
Maintain full funding for ICAI until a comprehensive assessment of future arrangements.
Whilst we agree that the value for money of every aspect of Government spending must be assessed, we caution against any rapid decision- making with regards to the ICAI’s future. Full funding should remain in 16 place until a final … Read more
Government Response
The Government states they are clear about ICAI’s role and take ICAI reports seriously, and that they remain committed to supporting ICAI for at least the next 3 years; with a average programme allocation of £1.68m per year and £685,000 for operating costs.
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18 Recommendation Acknowledged
9th Report - Future of UK aid and …
Keep Committee fully appraised of Government's work and decisions regarding ICAI's future.
As its Parliamentary oversight body, this Committee must be kept fully appraised of the Government’s work and decision-making around ICAI’s future. (Recommendation, Paragraph 37)
Government Response
The government agrees that they take transparency and value for money seriously, that they are clear about ICAI’s role, and that they remain committed to supporting ICAI for at least the next 3 years.
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19 Conclusion Acknowledged
9th Report - Future of UK aid and …
ODA resourcing decisions must prioritise greatest need in fragile and climate-vulnerable states.
In the coming years, the greatest need will be in fragile and conflict- affected states, and states most vulnerable to climate change. Working in partnership to address these needs mutually benefits the affected countries and the UK. The empowerment and … Read more
Government Response
The government says it is transitioning to differentiated development partnerships based on mutual benefit and prioritizing ODA where humanitarian needs are most acute. It notes the importance of local civil society and the UK's International Strategic Framework on Women and Girls.
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20 Conclusion Acknowledged
9th Report - Future of UK aid and …
Upholding rights and potential of marginalised groups and women should be UK ODA priorities.
Upholding the rights of marginalised groups, as well as realising the potential of women and girls in both achieving societal resilience and poverty reduction, should be strategic priorities for UK ODA. This must be reflected in the spending allocations. (Conclusion, … Read more
Government Response
The FCDO is transitioning to differentiated development partnerships based on mutual benefit and will prioritize geographic ODA where humanitarian needs are most acute, focusing on locally led approaches and reaffirming commitment to women and girls.
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21 Recommendation Accepted in Part
9th Report - Future of UK aid and …
Ensure FCDO retains expertise and provides gender-specific funding to empower marginalised groups.
The FCDO must have the expertise and resources required to empower marginalised groups in decision-making forums, as well as the ability to equip them in their efforts to bring about lasting change in their communities. The FCDO will need to … Read more
Government Response
The FCDO is transitioning to differentiated development partnerships and focusing on locally led approaches and the UK's International Strategic Framework on Women and Girls; equality impact assessments (EIAs) which consider impacts on people with relevant and protected characteristics – are an essential part of how the Government makes decisions on ODA allocations.
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22 Conclusion Acknowledged
9th Report - Future of UK aid and …
Government must maintain flexibility within ODA priorities to respond to interconnected development challenges.
The Government’s focusses on global health, and climate and nature are welcome. However, the Government must maintain the flexibility within these priorities to accommodate the interconnectedness of development challenges. It also needs the flexibility to be able to respond to … Read more
Government Response
The government says it is transitioning to differentiated development partnerships based on mutual benefit and prioritizing ODA where humanitarian needs are most acute. It notes the importance of local civil society and the UK's International Strategic Framework on Women and Girls.
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23 Recommendation Acknowledged
9th Report - Future of UK aid and …
Consider interconnected challenges in fragile states when deploying ODA financial and human resources holistically.
We urge the Government to consider the nature of interconnected challenges such as nutrition, food systems, education, Water Sanitation and Hygiene, and governance challenges—particularly in relation to fragile and conflict-affected states—as it plans how it will deploy its financial and … Read more
Government Response
The FCDO is transitioning to differentiated development partnerships based on mutual benefit, will prioritize geographic ODA where humanitarian needs are most acute, and are focusing on locally led approaches. The UK’s International Strategic Framework on Women and Girls reaffirms commitment to advancing the rights, safety and opportunities of women and girls worldwide.
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1 Conclusion
11th Report - UK Aid and Developme…
In the coming months we expect to see much greater transparency from the Government over...
In the coming months we expect to see much greater transparency from the Government over the evidence base for its newly articulated approach to international relief and development and the tangible impact it expects this to have. We anticipate more … Read more
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2 Recommendation
11th Report - UK Aid and Developme…
In its response to this report, we request the Government provides more detail on its...
In its response to this report, we request the Government provides more detail on its approach in areas where this is sorely lacking, and clarify its own policy position. This will serve to reassure Parliament, the sector, and the public … Read more
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3 Conclusion
11th Report - UK Aid and Developme…
From the evidence we have received, and applying it to what we know of the...
From the evidence we have received, and applying it to what we know of the Government’s approach, we have prepared a document to convert the Government’s ambitions into a policy to alleviate poverty. This outlines some of the key considerations … Read more
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4 Recommendation
11th Report - UK Aid and Developme…
We recommend that the Government considers Appendix 1 as a working policy document for its...
We recommend that the Government considers Appendix 1 as a working policy document for its approach to aid and development. In its response, we request that the Government indicates where it agrees or disagrees with the Committee’s policy paper and … Read more
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Government Response AI assessment · 23 of 13 classified
Accepted 1
Accepted in Part 3
Acknowledged 14
Not Addressed 1
Rejected 4
Total 13 recs + 14 conclusions
Correspondence 3 letters
24 Mar 2026 Correspondence to the Minister of State for International Development & Africa relating to the Independent Commission for Aid Impact and ODA allocations, 5 March 2026
Parliament page
24 Mar 2026 Correspondence from the Minister of State for International Development & Africa relating to the Publication of FCDO’s Multi Year ODA Allocations (2026/27–2028/29), 19 March 2026
Parliament page
24 Mar 2026 Correspondence from the Minister of State for International Development & Africa relating to the Independent Commission for Aid Impact and ODA allocations, 23 March 2026
Parliament page