Context
Polling by WaterAid and YouGov shows that UK public prioritises funding for water, sanitation, and hygiene through UK aid. This aligns with the importance of these services to global health, education, and climate resilience.
Question
Recent polling by WaterAid and YouGov shows that access to water, sanitation and hygiene is the No. 1 priority that the UK public want to see funded through UK aid. That makes sense, given that water underpins global health, keeps girls in school and builds climate-resilient communities. Does the Minister agree that it is one of the smartest and most cost-effective ways to deliver the UK’s development goals? Without access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene, there can be no meaningful progress in any of those areas.
Answer from Stephen Doughty (Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The hon. Gentleman makes important points. I had the pleasure of seeing many important water and sanitation projects in my previous career. We are concentrating on maintaining our impact by focusing on partnerships with Governments and multilaterals, and establishing the conditions that can secure additional domestic funding and private investment in those areas. He rightly makes the link between water and sanitation and health, and that will be considered as we approach future funding allocations.
Not addressed: Did not provide specific commitment on prioritizing or increasing funding for these projects despite polling showing public support
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