Poverty-focused Aid 2021-01-19
2021-01-19
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
International development spending is declining due to a decrease in gross national income, and there are concerns about further cuts planned by the Chancellor.
With international development spending falling alongside the country's drop in gross national income, and given the plan to slash UK commitments to the world's poorest, it is crucial that ODA spending reaches developing countries effectively. Could you explain what criteria ensure poverty alleviation is prioritised? How will civil society be consulted on this?
The UK Government remains one of the most generous donors with more than £10 billion focused on poverty reduction. We consult extensively with civil society; Lord Ahmad has recently done so, and further consultations are planned. Additionally, £1.3 billion is targeted at covid-related efforts.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific criteria for prioritising poverty alleviation were not detailed.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The UK's commitment to development aid is being reconsidered, leading to concerns about the impact on poverty alleviation and effective use of ODA.
Given the importance of reaching developing countries effectively despite falling international development funding, what criteria are used for prioritising poverty reduction? How will civil society be involved in these decisions?
The UK remains a generous donor with £10 billion focused on poverty, we consult regularly with NGOs; Lord Ahmad recently did so. We also focus heavily on covid response with over 300 programmes repurposed.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific criteria for prioritising poverty reduction were not detailed.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The UK Government has abolished the Department for International Development and is not meeting its 0.7% of GNI commitment, leading to concerns about further cuts affecting efforts to eradicate poverty.
Global poverty is rising again after more than two decades of progress, with an estimated 150 million people in extreme poverty by year-end. Given the abolition of DfID and reneging on aid commitments, can you commit explicitly to eradicating poverty within the new ODA framework?
We share passion for international development; our targets aim at poverty alleviation but recognise complex causes and solutions. The merged Department will work on these objectives, tackling poverty increased by covid.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The explicit commitment to eradicating poverty was not given.
Changed Subject Entirely Without Addressing The Specific Ask
Response accuracy