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 government tracks and reports its spending towards the UN's 0.7% target for aid.

Description

The bill alters the 2015 Act's definition of ODA to include:

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

The amendment also requires that spending considered ODA under this new definition, even if not explicitly specified as such, be included in the overall ODA calculation towards the 0.7% target.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly allocate new funds. However, by broadening the definition of ODA, it may result in a higher reported figure for UK aid spending, potentially leading to a perceived fulfillment of the 0.7% target even without an increase in actual spending on development projects.

Groups Affected

• UK Government: Changes how they report and track aid spending, potentially affecting reporting on the 0.7% target.
• International Development Organisations: Potential impact on funding depending on how their projects are classified under the new definition.
• British Overseas Territories: May see increased aid, depending on whether aid already given qualifies under the new definition.
• Recipients of Humanitarian Aid: Potentially increased aid as disaster relief and reconstruction efforts now count towards the ODA target.

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