A United Kingdom aid match-funding scheme to encourage public donations to development projects in low-income countries has been criticized for using its aid budget to boost the “reputations” of government ministers.
An independent report published Monday attacks a requirement for civil society groups to prove they can reach a certain size of audience through their advertising — and feature ministers in public appeals — before they can join the UK Aid Match, or UKAM, initiative.
The rule shuts out many “worthy NGOs and causes” with limited marketing capabilities, says the study by a university professor in global development carried out for British parliamentarians.
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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.
