Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
Recommendation 14
14
Accepted
Ensure phased transition and clear communication with partners during ODA spending cuts.
Recommendation
Where cuts are to be made as part of this spending review, we request the Government informs the Committee of the steps it will take to ensure that there will be a phased transition with clear communication to implementing partners, avoiding some of the damage that was done when budgets were reduced in 2020. (Recommendation, Paragraph 43)
Government Response Summary
The government agrees and commits to early dialogue with partners, regular strategic engagement, and ensuring responsible exits from agreements to manage budget changes. It also commits to keeping the Committee and partners closely and regularly updated on ODA budget implementation.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
Government Response – Agree 29. Programme teams will be in dialogue with partners with regards to any future changes in budgets as early as is possible in the decision-making processes. Centrally, we are also having regular strategic engagement with partner and supplier representatives on the approach to decisions, planning and timelines. We will ensure responsible exit from any agreements that must be cut. For all types of agreements, suppliers and partners will be given at least the minimum notice period of the agreement and reasonable exit costs will be negotiated in-line with the individual agreements. 30. We are committed to keeping the International Development Committee and our implementing partners closely and regularly updated as changes to the ODA budget are implemented. The Minister for Development issued letters on 13 March and 27 March to the Committee on actions the FCDO is taking to manage the ODA reduction and looks forward to joining the Committee for an oral evidence session on Tuesday 13 May. The Chancellor’s Spring Statement set out the UK’s ODA profile up to 2029/30, tracking a gradual reduction to 0.3% of GNI in 2027. Decisions on how the ODA budget will be used are being worked through as part of the ongoing Spending Review.