Fourth Report - Effectiveness of UK aid: potential impact of FCO/DFID merger
Select Committee
International Development Committee
HC 596
16 July 2020
Government response
Fourth Special Report - Effectiveness of UK Aid: Interim Report & Effectiveness of UK Aid: potential impact of FCO/DFID merger: Government Response to the Second & Fourth Reports · published 2 Oct 2020
Recommendations & Conclusions
3 results
1
Conclusion
Rejected
Para 28
Reorganising departments is not easy.
Conclusion
Reorganising departments is not easy. In our view, the decision to merge the FCO and DFID into a new international department, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), is flawed on a number of grounds: • The decision was taken …
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Government Response Summary
The government defends the merger of FCO and DFID, stating it reflects the Prime Minister's commitment to a unified British foreign policy and will maximise global influence. It argues the timing was right to shape the new department's objectives and unify the international COVID-19 response.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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2
Conclusion
Rejected
Para 29
While merging departments may seem attractive short-term, with improved policy coherence and possible administrative savings,...
Conclusion
While merging departments may seem attractive short-term, with improved policy coherence and possible administrative savings, they can be extremely costly and disruptive and impair organisational effectiveness. In the long run, the creation of the FCDO could reduce the UK’s influence …
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Government Response Summary
The government counters the committee's concerns, stating the merger is a key moment to maximise international impact and will make the UK a stronger force globally. While acknowledging potential costs, it states these are being monitored, commitments made to minimise them, and will be factored into the forthcoming Spending Review.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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8
Recommendation
Rejected
Para 69
We recommend that the Government appoints a Minister for Development with responsibility for the totality...
Recommendation
We recommend that the Government appoints a Minister for Development with responsibility for the totality of the UK’s aid spend, and that this Minister attends Cabinet. We also recommend that this Minister attends the National Security Council.
Government Response Summary
The government rejects the recommendation to appoint a dedicated Minister for Development who attends Cabinet and the National Security Council, stating that the Foreign Secretary is currently responsible for development and aid spend.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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