Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
9th Report - Future of UK aid and development assistance: interim report
International Development Committee
HC 1330
Published 5 February 2026
Recommendations
9
Accepted in Part
Earmark bilateral ODA and grant missions autonomy for Centrally Managed Programme approval.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response 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, will work increasingly in partnership with local actors.
15
Accepted in Part
Pause FCDO restructuring until staffing, skills, equalities, and ODA impact assessments are completed.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response 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 it is not being paused.
21
Accepted in Part
Ensure FCDO retains expertise and provides gender-specific funding to empower marginalised groups.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response 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 the Government makes decisions on ODA allocations.