What will happen to the Integrated Security Fund as aid cuts start to bite? MPs ask development experts
On Tuesday 20 May, MPs will explore the future of the Integrated Security Fund (the ISF) amid speculation that its funding could be cut or its activity redirected.
The ISF, formerly the Conflict, Security and Stability Fund (CSSF), aims to address security challenges by combining resources from across Government. It is designed to draw together different Government departments to deliver programmes, to be agile and innovative, and to catalyse long-term progress through early innovation.
Concerns have been raised about cuts to CSSF/ISF funding in recent years, as the UK’s aid budget has been reduced. In 2023, the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy said cuts to the aid had led to a shift within the Fund from programmes designed to prevent conflict to those more focused on security.
Meeting details
MPs are likely to ask about the strengths of weaknesses of the CSSF and ISF, and what role it played in areas affected by conflict like Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan. MPs are also likely to ask about the importance of the Fund’s cross-Government approach, amid reports that ministers are reviewing this model.
The session will also cover how the future of the Fund might be affected by the security decisions of the United States and the UK’s decision to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP.