Cuts in UK aid must not hit the poorest

The UK government has announced that it will be cutting its aid budget by £2.9 billion. Reducing levels of aid at a time when there is unprecedented need for international support as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic is the wrong decision. If cuts are to be made, then crucially there must be a transparent and thorough process for ensuring that these cuts do not fall on those who are in greatest need.

In response to the announcement, Harpinder Collacott, Executive Director of Development Initiatives said:

“Today, people in all countries are confronted with some of the most difficult times we’ve ever faced. No country will be able to tackle the pandemic and its impacts alone. As the World Health Organization has repeatedly said, “no-one is safe until everyone is safe”. I am therefore incredibly concerned about the decision to make substantial cuts to UK aid when the need for it is soaring. The cuts announced today are a short-sighted response to an unprecedented global challenge. Covid-19 has become a disease of poverty and inequality, globally and in every country, hitting hardest those who are the least resilient and those already being left behind. Any cuts that are made, must not fall on the world's poorest and most vulnerable people.”

Proper consultation and a clear framework for the selection of where cuts might be made is essential to ensure vital projects for people who are most in need and already vulnerable to the worst impacts of the pandemic are protected. There is currently a lack of clarity around the process of how cuts in official development assistance are being considered as part of the Integrated Review. An evidence-based approach to determine policy and funding priorities to effectively target the poorest and most vulnerable people is crucial. UK aid must remain focused on ending poverty, promoting economic progress for all and, crucially, immediately protecting those with greatest need from the worst impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

For more information please see:

• Development Initiatives, 2020. Merging DFID and FCO: Implications for UK aid.
• Development Initiatives, 2020. How are aid budgets changing due to the Covid-19 crisis?
• Development Initiatives, 2020. Covid-19 and financing projections for developing countries.