As UK aid faces cuts, how will the FCDO ensure it achieves value for money?
On Tuesday 25 March, MPs on the cross-party International Development Committee will explore alternative options for financing aid amid cuts to the UK’s development budget.
Witnesses will include Andrew Mitchell, Minister for Development in the previous Government. MPs are likely to ask Mr Mitchell for his views on the Government’s plans to reduce aid spending to from 0.5 to 0.3% of gross national income (GNI) and what lessons the Government can learn from the last set of cuts, in 2021.
They may also ask Mr Mitchell what current programmes he thinks should be protected from future cuts, and how the UK can ensure that its aid budget continues to offer value for money despite a reduction in funding.
Meeting details
Meanwhile MPs will ask witnesses on other panels about alternative forms of finance to traditional official development assistance (ODA), such as locally led initiatives and philanthropy. MPs may ask how the UK Government could promote or champion these, and whether there are risks involved.
They may also ask what impact the announcement of cuts has had on international aid organisations, and how these organisations might need to adapt or reform to tackle the challenges facing the sector.