The new Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell has announced full transparency for British government aid, with all spending by the Department for International Development to be published on its website.

Mr Mitchell said that whilst giving aid was morally right and in Britain’s national interest, British taxpayers needed to see where the money was going and that it was being well spent.

In response, ActionAid UK Executive Director Richard Miller said:

“ActionAid has long campaigned for citizens in poor countries to have information about aid provided in their name. We are therefore delighted with the Secretary of State’s announcement of increased transparency in aid spending.

"It will hopefully establish a new standard of openness and encourage scrutiny by citizens in countries receiving UK aid, as well as assuring UK taxpayers that aid is reaching the poorest."