Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
Recommendation 9
9
Paragraph: 76
UK aid will increasingly have to balance short term diplomatic needs and initiatives with long...
Recommendation
UK aid will increasingly have to balance short term diplomatic needs and initiatives with long term development objectives. Ultimately, ensuring that UK aid interventions are high quality is crucial to maintaining the UK’s reputation as a top-level development provider, and we are concerned that the FCO’s performance in ICAI reviews suggests it is not yet reaching the performance level required. The Government should set a target for all FCDO programmes to achieve a minimum ICAI grading of ‘green/amber’ within the next year.
Paragraph Reference:
76
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government values scrutiny, which is a crucial aspect of holding Government to account for taxpayers’ money and improving the impact of Government spend and actions. ICAI operates independently of government, and the new department will seek to continue, and advance, the UK’s reputation for delivering world leading international development. DFID and FCO both worked in high risk, fragile states because poverty is increasingly focused there (estimates are 80% by 2030). We strive to ensure that all programming is effective and meets ICAI standards of green/amber where applicable. These combined skills and expertise of staff now in the new FCDO will enable the Government to further improve the effectiveness of all UK aid.