The Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) has published a report today criticising decisions made by the UK Government over the past four years, which ICAI says has had a negative impact on the effectiveness of the UK’s Official Development Assistant (ODA).
It highlights the disruption caused by the DFID-FCO merger, the frequent political leadership changes, diverting staff resources due to Brexit and the reduction of the 0.7 aid target. However, it does state that many UK aid programmes are still making a positive difference around the world.
In response to the report, Professor Melissa Leach, Director of the Institute of Development Studies, said:
“This damning report lays bare the erosion of UK aid over the past four years. We know all too well the devastating impacts the decisions at FCDO have had on some of the poorest people in the world, on international research partnerships and the UK’s global reputation.
“The Government urgently needs to act to repair the UK’s standing as a trusted international development partner. It needs to learn from community level innovations, include the most marginalised in decision making and restore 0.7. The upcoming White Paper is the ideal opportunity to press the re-set button and get UK aid back on track.”
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