Overview

This bill reaffirms the UK's commitment to spending 0.7% of gross national income on Official Development Assistance (ODA) each year, starting in 2015. It outlines the government's accountability to Parliament regarding this target and mandates independent evaluation of ODA's effectiveness and value for money.

Description

The International Development (Official Development Assistance Target) Bill establishes a legal duty for the Secretary of State to ensure the UK meets the 0.7% ODA target annually. If the target is missed, a statement explaining the reasons (e.g., economic or fiscal circumstances) and steps to rectify the shortfall must be presented to Parliament. The bill also repeals a section of the 2006 Act that required projections of when the target would be met. Critically, the bill introduces a requirement for independent evaluation of how efficiently and effectively ODA is spent, with this evaluation reported annually to Parliament. Accountability is solely through the parliamentary reporting process; failure to meet the target doesn't affect the legality of government actions.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly impact government spending levels. Instead, it legally commits the government to a minimum spending level (0.7% of GNI on ODA) and introduces mechanisms for accountability and improved efficiency in spending this allocation.

Groups Affected

• UK Government: Legally bound to meet the ODA target and accountable to Parliament for its spending.
• International Development Organizations: Subject to more rigorous independent evaluation of their effectiveness and value for money.
• Recipient Countries of ODA: Potentially affected by changes in the level and/or efficiency of UK aid.
• UK Taxpayers: Potentially impacted by the cost of meeting the 0.7% target on taxation, public spending and public borrowing.

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