19 May 2025
Each year, the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) assesses progress made by the government on implementing our recommendations to improve the effectiveness of UK aid spending. This is an important step in the accountability chain, providing Parliament’s International Development Committee (IDC) and other stakeholders with evidence on whether the government has taken appropriate action […]
Read more on ICAI confirms approach to following up on recommendations from 2023-24
13 Mar 2025
We’ve announced the next set of review topics to be scrutinised by ICAI in the coming months.
Read more on Management of aid spending target and ending violence against women and girls among new ICAI review topics
26 Feb 2025
ICAI sets out the current picture on UK development as Prime Minister announces reduction in aid spending target to 0.3% of national income.
Read more on Major shifts in UK aid spending as global development faces unprecedented challenges
27 Jan 2025
The Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) welcomes Jillian Popkins as its new Chief Commissioner today (Monday 27 January). Jillian, whose appointment was endorsed by Parliament’s International Development Committee last month, joins fellow Commissioners Liz Ditchburn and Harold Freeman. Together, they will lead independent scrutiny of UK international development spending, helping to ensure value for […]
Read more on UK aid watchdog welcomes new Chief Commissioner
18 Dec 2024
The Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) today publishes the results of its 2024 public consultation and announces two new review topics. The watchdog will begin its 2025 work programme looking at UK aid to Sudan, an urgent priority given the current conflict and humanitarian crisis. It will also review how UK development funding is […]
Read more on Independent aid watchdog responds to consultation – how we will take your feedback on board
4 Sep 2024
We want to hear your views on which areas of UK aid spend we should look at next, as we launch a consultation on our future work.
Read more on The UK’s independent aid watchdog wants to hear from you – help shape our future work
23 Jul 2024
UK aid for sustainable cities supports urban development around the world, ICAI review finds. But watchdog calls for more focus on helping countries adapt to climate risks and protect nature. Lack of coordination across Whitehall departments hinders the portfolio’s effectiveness. UK aid is helping developing countries to build sustainability into their city planning but more […]
Read more on UK aid helping cities grow sustainably but more support needed to tackle climate change threats
16 Jul 2024
Global health research and innovation funded by DHSC is largely relevant and effective, ICAI finds. However, the department should focus more on enhancing and tracking the impact of research projects. The principle of equitable partnership between high- and low- and middle-income countries should be central to all aspects of the work. DHSC needs to untie […]
Read more on UK aid contributes positively to global health with results such as the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine, but more focus on achieving impact is needed
11 Jul 2024
Afghanistan remains UK’s second-largest bilateral aid programme, funding vital support such as nutrition clinics for mothers and children. Delivery of aid remains difficult, partly due to restrictions on women working for the UN and other humanitarian organisations. UK officials need to visit Afghanistan regularly to manage such a large aid programme. Reports of ‘donor fatigue’ […]
Read more on Aid watchdog visits Afghanistan to examine UK’s aid programmes
21 May 2024
Diplomatic efforts have so far been ineffective in securing access to get enough aid into Gaza to address the mounting humanitarian catastrophe, worsening as Israel’s invasion of Rafah progresses, the aid watchdog reports today (Tuesday 21 May). The UK has contributed to a significant international humanitarian response to the crisis, committing more than £70 million […]
Read more on UK aid is still largely blocked from entering Gaza despite efforts to improve access
