Management of the UK’s 0.7% ODA Spending Target – new approach summary paper

20 Aug 2020

A new ICAI review will examine how the UK government manages its aid-spending target, and whether the complexities involved affect the quality and value for money of aid.

The details of the forthcoming rapid review are set out in a new approach summary paper from the aid watchdog. Since 2015, the UK has had a legal commitment to spend 0.7% of its Gross National Income on Official Development Assistance (ODA) each year, resulting in a rapid scaling up of capabilities and business systems within government. The UK is currently the only G7 country that meets this target, and is only one of seven OECD countries to have reached the target.

ICAI’s review will not examine the 0.7% commitment itself, but will instead focus on how aid-spending departments and cross-government structures manage the value for money risks associated with the target, and whether they have learnt to improve over time. It will cover the period 2013 to 2019, and will build on previous reviews conducted by the National Audit Office.

As a rapid review, it will not be scored, and research will include a strategic review of government documents, case studies, and focus group discussions, as well as key informant interviews. The review is expected to be published later this year.

Read the approach summary here.