Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Accepted in Part
Paragraph: 103
Through its close work with us, and our sub-committee, the Independent Commission for Aid Impact...
Recommendation
Through its close work with us, and our sub-committee, the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) is a crucial part of the robust scrutiny architecture which ensures the aid budget is well spent. ICAI’s expert reviews identify areas of good practice as well as areas for improvement, helping the UK to maintain its reputation as an international development superpower. It also satisfies the statutory requirement set out in the International Development (Official Development Assistance Target) Act 2015 for independent scrutiny of UK aid spending. There is simply no reason to change these arrangements. We recommend that the Government retains ICAI in its current form in order to provide thorough and independent scrutiny of the UK’s aid budget.
Government response summary AI-generated
The government confirms ICAI will continue to provide independent scrutiny, but its mandate will be broadened to include policy recommendations. A review has been commissioned to ensure its remit and methods align with the new department's aims, rather than retaining it in its exact current form.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
103
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government · verbatim extract
Accepted in Part
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office remains committed to the highest standards for overseas spending and improving transparency of aid globally. ICAI plays a vital role supporting Parliament in the scrutiny of UK aid’s impact and helping to maintain these high standards. The Foreign Secretary has recently announced that ICAI will not only continue to provide independent scrutiny of aid spending, but will have its mandate broadened to provide policy recommendations alongside its critical analysis. The Foreign Secretary has also commissioned a review to make sure ICAI’s remit, focus and methods are effectively scrutinising the impact of UK Official Development Assistance, in line with the aims of the new department. The FCDO will remain committed to parliamentary and independent scrutiny of the aid budget across Government, and full transparency in aid spending. “Drawing upon the highly effective model of cooperation between the National Audit Office and Public Accounts Committee, the new ODA Committee should have responsibility for receiving and considering ICAI’s reviews. It should also have responsibility for the other aspects of cooperation and coordination with ICAI in which we currently participate, including recruitment of the Chief Commissioner and other commissioners; agreement of the forward work programme and commissioning work”. (Paragraph 104) The FCDO will remain committed to parliamentary and independent scrutiny of the aid budget across Government, and full transparency in aid spending. The form this takes following the merger will be set out in due course. Published: 2 October 2020 A-Z index Glossary Contact us Freedom of Information Jobs Using this website Copyright Privacy notice Cookie policy Cookie Manager
Read the full response on Parliament ↗