Category: Press releases

Independent aid watchdog responds to consultation – how we will take your feedback on board

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 […]

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UK aid helping cities grow sustainably but more support needed to tackle climate change threats 

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 […]

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UK aid contributes positively to global health with results such as the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine, but more focus on achieving impact is needed

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


Aid watchdog visits Afghanistan to examine UK’s aid programmes

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’ […]

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UK aid is still largely blocked from entering Gaza despite efforts to improve access

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 […]

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Positive progress on well over half of ICAI recommendations from 2022-23

16 May 2024

The government has made adequate progress implementing well over half of the aid watchdog’s recommendations over the past year, a new report finds today (Thursday 16 May). This is a marked improvement from last year. The annual follow-up review from the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) looks back at recommendations from the nine reviews […]

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UK aid to Ukraine has been fast, flexible and responsive but post-war reconstruction will need careful management

30 Apr 2024

ICAI finds the UK mounted an effective and flexible civilian aid response to the crisis in Ukraine, including bilateral aid of £228m and a 5-year commitment of £4 billion in loan guarantees. Strong efforts to ensure aid reaches vulnerable groups such as the elderly, women and those with disabilities. More humanitarian aid should be channelled […]

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UK aid to India taking steps to improve poverty focus, but some investments pose major reputational risks

18 Apr 2024

Aid watchdog finds FCDO has started work to ensure aid to India goes where it is most needed, and on mobilising climate finance following last year’s review. But ICAI raises questions over some investments made by the UK’s development finance institution BII, including in social media sites and a cosmetics company. Report comes after BII […]

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