Recommendations & Conclusions
27 items
1
Conclusion
9th Report - Future of UK aid and devel…
Rejected
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 in line with its principles for ODA spend. (Conclusion, Paragraph …
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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 in line with its principles for ODA spend. (Conclusion, Paragraph 11)
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Government response AI summary
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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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
2
Conclusion
9th Report - Future of UK aid and devel…
Rejected
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)
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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)
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Government response AI summary
The Government disagrees that a multilateral development review is required to evaluate the performance of multilateral organisations.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
3
Recommendation
9th Report - Future of UK aid and devel…
Rejected
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 AI summary
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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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
4
Conclusion
9th Report - Future of UK aid and devel…
Rejected
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 with the Development Minister that ODA should not be seen …
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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 with the Development Minister that ODA should not be seen as simply a tool for increasing the influence of the UK. However, in a contested world, the UK cannot allow any misunderstanding about its commitment to its bilateral partners which could give its adversaries a foothold. Moreover, as the Government recognises, the UK’s diplomatic capital allows it to affect changes that dramatically improve the lives of the poor. This leverage must not be diminished through weak communications over the UK’s financial commitments or lack of oversight over programmes it funds. The Committee see the value of UK soft power in promoting human rights, democracy and the rule-based international order. The UK can and should be unashamed to promote its values, language, and culture in a world where significant powers, who do not share our values, are expanding their influence. (Conclusion, Paragraph 16) 14
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Government response AI summary
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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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
5
Recommendation
9th Report - Future of UK aid and devel…
Accepted
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. the FCDO takes urgent steps to improve the accessibility of …
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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. the FCDO takes urgent steps to improve the accessibility of data on multilateral programming available to the aid sector and the public. (Recommendation, Paragraph 17)
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Government response AI summary
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 …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
6
Conclusion
9th Report - Future of UK aid and devel…
Acknowledged
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 internal resources needed to maintain this influence and expertise have …
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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 internal resources needed to maintain this influence and expertise have been safeguarded. (Conclusion, Paragraph 19)
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Government response AI summary
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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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
7
Recommendation
9th Report - Future of UK aid and devel…
Acknowledged
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 be taken to ensure that this capacity is retained and …
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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 be taken to ensure that this capacity is retained and built upon under the FCDO 2030 restructuring programme. (Recommendation, Paragraph 20)
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Government response AI summary
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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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
8
Conclusion
9th Report - Future of UK aid and devel…
Acknowledged
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 Government’s wider development policy framework. (Conclusion, Paragraph 24)
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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 Government’s wider development policy framework. (Conclusion, Paragraph 24)
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Government response AI summary
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 …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
9
Recommendation
9th Report - Future of UK aid and devel…
Accepted in Part
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 delivery departments) in-country; b. Centrally Managed Programmes (CMPs) need to …
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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 delivery departments) in-country; b. Centrally Managed Programmes (CMPs) need to undergo a thorough review to ensure that central oversight is providing the best value for money. Missions must have the structures and independence to approve CMPs based on their own strategic priorities and understanding of the local development context. They must also have the freedom and expertise to assess the impact of CMPs, requiring intentional communication with the programme managers. (Recommendation, Paragraph 25) 15
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Government response AI summary
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, …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
10
Conclusion
9th Report - Future of UK aid and devel…
Acknowledged
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 the region or in the UK. (Conclusion, Paragraph 26)
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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 the region or in the UK. (Conclusion, Paragraph 26)
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Government response AI summary
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 …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
11
Conclusion
9th Report - Future of UK aid and devel…
Acknowledged
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 AI summary
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 …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
12
Recommendation
9th Report - Future of UK aid and devel…
Acknowledged
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 absolutely vital for achieving effective projects that represent value for …
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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 absolutely vital for achieving effective projects that represent value for money. (Recommendation, Paragraph 28)
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Government response AI summary
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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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
13
Recommendation
9th Report - Future of UK aid and devel…
Not Addressed
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 AI summary
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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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
14
Conclusion
9th Report - Future of UK aid and devel…
Acknowledged
We reiterate our previous concerns around the sequencing and speed of the FCDO 2030 programme. (Conclusion, Paragraph 32)
Government response AI summary
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 …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
15
Recommendation
9th Report - Future of UK aid and devel…
Accepted in Part
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 mission, to be presented in a Workforce Plan for this …
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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 mission, to be presented in a Workforce Plan for this spending review period; b. a thorough skills audit and an equalities impact assessment to support and inform the Workforce Plan; c. an assessment of the impact of the ODA programming decisions on the extreme poor, as well as the UK’s ability to lead diplomatically on key issues impacting them. (Recommendation, Paragraph 33)
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Government response AI summary
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 …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
16
Conclusion
9th Report - Future of UK aid and devel…
Acknowledged
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 by the Development Minister. (Conclusion, Paragraph 35)
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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 by the Development Minister. (Conclusion, Paragraph 35)
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Government response AI summary
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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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
17
Recommendation
9th Report - Future of UK aid and devel…
Acknowledged
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 decision made—a decision based on an assessment of the existing …
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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 decision made—a decision based on an assessment of the existing arrangements compared against other options. (Recommendation, Paragraph 36)
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Government response AI summary
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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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
18
Recommendation
9th Report - Future of UK aid and devel…
Acknowledged
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 AI summary
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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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
19
Conclusion
9th Report - Future of UK aid and devel…
Acknowledged
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 equipping of these states, and their civil society organisations, should …
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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 equipping of these states, and their civil society organisations, should be central to the FCDO’s approach. Resourcing decisions for ODA by the Government in the coming weeks and months need to accurately reflect where the greatest need is. They also need to reflect where preventative action is likely to have the greatest impact. (Conclusion, Paragraph 39)
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Government response AI summary
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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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
20
Conclusion
9th Report - Future of UK aid and devel…
Acknowledged
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, Paragraph 41)
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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, Paragraph 41)
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Government response AI summary
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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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
21
Recommendation
9th Report - Future of UK aid and devel…
Accepted in Part
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 ensure that, through its spending allocations, it retains centralised and …
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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 ensure that, through its spending allocations, it retains centralised and local gender expertise. It will also need gender-specific bilateral funding to achieve its aims. (Recommendation, Paragraph 42)
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Government response AI summary
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 …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
22
Conclusion
9th Report - Future of UK aid and devel…
Acknowledged
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 needs expressed by its bilateral partners in governments and civil …
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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 needs expressed by its bilateral partners in governments and civil society. This is particularly important in fragile and conflict-affected states. (Conclusion, Paragraph 43)
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Government response AI summary
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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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
23
Recommendation
9th Report - Future of UK aid and devel…
Acknowledged
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 human resources in a holistic way over this spending period. …
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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 human resources in a holistic way over this spending period. (Recommendation, Paragraph 44) 17
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Government response AI summary
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 …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
1
Recommendation
11th Report - UK Aid and Development As…
Acknowledged
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 information on how it intends to communicate both the approach …
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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 information on how it intends to communicate both the approach and its results, and how the various components will be brought together to form a coherent policy. (Conclusion, Paragraph 24)
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Government response AI summary
The government partially agrees, stating their approach draws on established evidence and that measurement of the shifts is part of ongoing discussions. They do not commit to specific timelines or methods for increased transparency on the evidence base or communication of results.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
2
Recommendation
11th Report - UK Aid and Development As…
Accepted in Part
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 that the policy announcements made to date are part of …
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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 that the policy announcements made to date are part of a coherent approach to ODA programming and work as part of a clear theory of change. Specifically, the Government must: a. Outline the evidence base for the “four essential shifts” and how this will be used to evaluate their success. A clear qualitative and quantitative description of what success looks like is required and over what time scale. It should also include a model for how development partnerships are envisaged to operate with clearly defined roles for FCDO missions, external stakeholders and departmental support. b. Provide a description of its approach to engaging with multilaterals with an evidence base for the choices of which organisations and mechanisms it will invest in, prioritising institutions with a proven track record of delivery. This should be accompanied by a measurable and time-bound plan for reform and a detailed approach for how alignment with UK priorities will be achieved. c. Set out an account of the risk and impact assessment exercises, beyond the Equalities Risk Assessment, that the Department has undertaken around the reductions and reprioritising of ODA. This should include details of the measures taken to mitigate risks, including: discussions with other ODA-delivering countries; 14 communication with bilateral development partners; and intentional efforts to ensure the UK’s multilateral contributions fill the gaps left by the reprioritising of bilateral ODA. d. Present a clear strategy for how the Government will engage with civil society in the UK around development challenges. Specifically, how the Government will work to ensure the energy and resources of diaspora groups and UK-based NGOs complement its own priorities for the spending of
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Government response AI summary
The government partially agrees, stating that the "four essential shifts" are based on a well-established evidence base and that it is working to improve measurement of outcomes and impact as part of the FCDO2030 transformation. It commits to measuring how the shifts are embedded, acknowledging …
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
3
Conclusion
11th Report - UK Aid and Development As…
Acknowledged
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 that will need to be borne in mind as the …
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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 that will need to be borne in mind as the Government’s aspirations are translated into practical policies. (Conclusion, Paragraph 26)
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledged receipt of the report and the appended policy paper, expressing gratitude to the committee for its work.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
4
Recommendation
11th Report - UK Aid and Development As…
Not Addressed
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 why. (Recommendation, Paragraph 27) 15
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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 why. (Recommendation, Paragraph 27) 15
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Government response AI summary
The government did not indicate whether it considers Appendix 1 as a working policy document for aid and development, but did respond to specific issues raised within the Committee's policy paper by detailing existing policies and actions on refugee costs and project pipelines.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office