Independent Commission on Aid Impact to remain

This morning the Foreign Secretary has confirmed that the Independent Commission on Aid Impact is to remain and continue to scrutinise aid spending.

Stephanie Draper, CEO of Bond the UK network for NGOs said:

“It’s reassuring to hear that the Independent Commission on Aid Impact is to remain and continue its critical role in ensuring UK aid remains transparent and accountable. Marginalised communities around the world and the British taxpayer have a right to see where aid is going and how it can be better invested to deliver impact in the lives of people facing disease, climate change, poverty and inequality.

“With the International Development Committee’s fate still up in the air, we hope this announcement will be matched with effective parliamentary scrutiny in the form of a cross-government parliamentary committee responsible for all aid spend across Whitehall.”

ENDS

Notes to editor

Press release: Foreign Secretary commits to more effective and accountable aid spending under new Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
UK to review independent watchdog on overseas aid, Financial Times 29th August 2020
The Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) scrutinises UK aid spending. The aid scrutiny body operates independently of government and reports to Parliament through the House of Commons International Development Committee or their ICAI Sub-Committee. ICAI works to ensure UK aid is spent effectively for those who need it most and delivers value for UK taxpayers.
Since the announcement of the Foreign Commonwealth Office and Department for International Development merger was announced, the fate ICAI and the International Development Committee (IDC), which scrutinises the spending, administration and policies of DFID and monitors the expenditure of Official Development Assistance (ODA) by other UK government departments was in doubt. Bond believes a dedicated cross-government select committee must be in place to scrutinise aid spending by all government departments, separate from the new Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office departmental select committee. This call has also been supported by cross-party parliamentarians.
Bond is the UK network for organisations working in international development. Bond unites and supports a diverse network of over 400 civil society organisations from across the UK, and allies to help eradicate global poverty, inequality and injustice.
For further information or interviews please contact Maryam Mohsin on 07555 336029 or [email protected]