Government responds to MPs on aid spending

13 September 2018

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The government has published its response to the International Development Committee's recent recommendations on Official Development Assistance (ODA), including ODA spending across different government departments.

In its response, the government emphasised a commitment to poverty reduction, but disagreed with the committee's recommendation that the Secretary of State for International Development should oversee ODA spending.

Commenting, Stuart Eke – deputy director for advocacy at ActionAid UK – said:

“We’re pleased to see ministers committing to ensuring UK aid is targeted at the poorest people in the world – but more clarity on aid spending across government departments is urgently needed.

"At ActionAid we know from experience that women and girls are at the sharp end of global poverty – and Britain has a vital role to play in challenging this injustice. But UK aid must be transparent and accountable, both to have an impact and to ensure public trust. We hope the Department for International Development will now work closely with other departments to increase aid transparency and effectiveness across government."

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. ActionAid is an international charity working with women and girls in 45 countries around the world.

2. The government's response to the committee can be read at the committee's website, here.

3. For further information, contact the media team via email: alice.gillham@actionaid.org, or charlotte.clarke@actionaid.org; or if out of hours, on +44 (0) 7753 973 486.