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.