UK aid funding headed for 'part privatization' after new announcement, observers say
The U.K. aid chief wants to recycle profits from its private sector investments in a controversial move that could reduce the amount of funding the government puts toward official development assistance.
Interactive: What is DFID planning through 2020?
Devex takes a look at new country-based bilateral aid spending data from the U.K. Department for International Development.
DFID's 'antiquated' contract system risks stifling innovation, report finds
The United Kingdom’s aid agency needs to overhaul the way it manages contracts with commercial suppliers, a report from the U.K. aid watchdog has found.
The new politics of aid
More than any time in recent years, the United Kingdom's main political parties are locking horns over how and why the U.K. should pursue its development goals.
Aid minister does not need signoff on ODA spending, says UK government
In its response to a parliamentary inquiry into the administration of official development assistance, the U.K. government rejected several recommendations for strengthening the DFID's oversight of ODA, as ever-more is spent by other parts of government.
UK will 'continue to reassess' its use of ODA definition if reforms cannot be made
The U.K. government has said it is committed to working with OECD partners to reform the international rules around official development assistance, but that it will "continue to reassess our approach" to the definition in order to achieve a "modernization agenda."
Theresa May in Africa: The key development issues
Last week, Theresa May became the first British prime minister to visit the African continent in five years, making several headline-grabbing announcements about aid and trade during the trip. Devex rounds up the key development issues, and what they could really mean for the U.K.'s partnership with Africa.
No-deal Brexit: UK government will underwrite ejected aid contracts
The U.K. government has committed to taking on current aid contracts after the European Union began to introduce disclaimers in February in all contracts stating that U.K.-based partners could suddenly lose funding in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
UK plans to break with international aid rules
United Kingdom development chief Penny Mordaunt has pledged to use the aid budget to support overseas territories faced with natural disasters, even if they are ineligible under the internationally agreed rules.
CSSF takes steps to assuage critics
The U.K.'s beleaguered £1.2 billion ($1.56 billion) cross-government Conflict, Stability and Security Fund has taken steps to become more transparent and improve oversight, according to an annual report released Wednesday, but civil society groups say still more remains to be done.
Mordaunt takes a stand against 'discriminatory' Brexit disclaimers
U.K. aid chief Penny Mordaunt has said the European Commission is "discriminating against U.K. organizations" by using disclaimers which threaten to cut off funding in the event of a "no-deal" exit from the EU, and has vowed to explore ways to protect U.K. aid groups from the fallout.
UK pushes for closer EU aid 'accord' after Brexit
The U.K. government will suggest a development "accord" in upcoming negotiations for its exit from the EU, according to a new white paper seeking closer access to EU aid instruments and external programs than outlined in earlier proposals.
EU 'aid for trade' deals to be replicated with UK after Brexit
All 29 developing countries that currently hold Economic Partnership Agreements with the EU have agreed to replicate them with the U.K. after Brexit, according to a government source — but some members of the development community say they should be renegotiated.
Opinion: What does spending in the ‘national interest’ mean for UK aid?
U.K. aid is in a state of flux, with aid increasingly being spent in the national interest through departments other than DFID. But what does this spending mean for Britain’s role in the fight against poverty and should we be worried? Writes Romilly Greenhill, U.K. director of ONE.
Exclusive: What are DFID's new country diagnostic pilots?
Devex explores the new Country Development Diagnostics being piloted internally by the U.K. Department for International Development.
OECD cautious over aid plans for UK veterans
After the U.K. announced plans last week to use official development assistance to support U.K. veterans living in poverty in Commonwealth countries — previously a remit funded by the Ministry of Defence — OECD officials stressed that ODA contributions must not "upset community dynamics."
Mordaunt cranks up national interest rhetoric in keynote speech
The U.K.'s development chief Penny Mordaunt repeatedly returned to the theme of spending "in the national interest" during a wide-ranging speech on the future of U.K. aid on Thursday.
UK aid 'brand' at risk from cross-government funds, says IDC report
Official development assistance spent by departments other than DFID is less transparent, less coherent, and less poverty-focused, a report from the parliamentary International Development Committee has found.
DFID has 'considerable distance to go' on disability inclusion, says watchdog
The U.K.'s Department for International Development has made disability inclusion a priority under its new leadership, but a report from an aid watchdog that scrutinizes DFID spending suggests there is much work to do.
Cross-government aid spending 'not set in stone,' says Mordaunt
United Kingdom aid chief Penny Mordaunt told legislators Wednesday "we are not in the right place" when it comes to cross-government official development assistance spending.
Penny Mordaunt appointed minister for women and equalities
United Kingdom Secretary of State for International Development Penny Mordaunt will take up the cross-government post of minister for gender and equalities, alongside her responsibilities at the Department for International Development, it was announced Monday, following the resignation of Amber Rudd.