The United Kingdom’s development budget for overseas programs has been handed a surprise increase of about £250 million ($307 million), scotching widespread concerns of a return to the devastating cuts made at the start of the decade.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, or FCDO, will receive the boost because of higher U.K. gross national income — increasing the 0.5% share allocated to aid — and an undisclosed fall in spending on domestic refugee costs.
FCDO was faced with making immediate cuts of up to £300 million before the end of the 2024-25 financial year in March, but will now receive a £540 million top-up — allowing it to hike spending by nearly £250 million.
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About the author
Rob Merrick
Rob Merrick is the U.K. Correspondent for Devex, covering FCDO and British aid. He reported on all the key events in British politics of the past 25 years from Westminster, including the financial crash, the Brexit fallout, the "Partygate" scandal, and the departures of Boris Johnson and Liz Truss. Rob has worked for The Independent and the Press Association and is a regular commentator on TV and radio. He can be reached at rob.merrick@devex.com.
