Overview

This bill amends the definition of "official development assistance" (ODA) within the UK's International Development Act 2015. The change broadens the scope of what counts as ODA, impacting how the UK measures its progress towards the UN's 0.7% ODA target.

Description

The bill modifies the International Development (Official Development Assistance Target) Act 2015. Specifically, it expands the definition of ODA to include:

• Development assistance as defined in the International Development Act 2002.
• Humanitarian aid and disaster relief, including funds for reconstruction in any country.
• Assistance for British Overseas Territories under either section 2 of the International Development Act 2002, or for humanitarian/disaster relief purposes.

The amendment ensures that spending on these areas is counted towards the UK's commitment to allocating 0.7% of gross national income to ODA. The changes are designed to make the UK's ODA reporting more comprehensive and in line with international standards. The bill applies across the whole of the UK.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly increase or decrease government spending. Instead, it alters how existing spending is categorized and reported. The effect on reported ODA figures will depend on the volume of spending already made on activities now explicitly included under the wider definition. No specific figures are provided in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

• UK Government: Will need to adjust its accounting practices for ODA reporting to reflect the broadened definition.
• International Development Agencies: May see changes in how their funding is categorized and reported.
• Recipients of Humanitarian Aid: Potentially, increased transparency and accountability around aid directed towards disaster relief and reconstruction efforts.
• British Overseas Territories: May experience changes in how their aid is tracked and potentially increased transparency.

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