Committee publication · Correspondence · 24 March 2026

Correspondence to the Minister of State for International Development & Africa relating to the Independent Commission for Aid Impact and ODA allocations - 5 March 2026

From: International Development Committee

Inquiry: Future of UK aid and development assistance

Summary

The International Development Committee writes to the Minister of State for International Development & Africa expressing concern over lack of progress on ICAI funding decisions. The committee reiterates strong support for the Independent Commission for Aid Impact's work ensuring aid effectiveness and value for money, and seeks clarity on ICAI's future resourcing, involvement in decision-making, and timeline for the minister's response to the Chief Commissioner's correspondence.

Key findings

  • The FCDO is considering reducing funding to ICAI, stated by the Minister over a month prior to this letter with no further detail provided
  • The Chief Commissioner of ICAI has received no further information from the Minister or Second Permanent Under-Secretary despite multiple letters
  • The Committee emphasises ICAI's role in ensuring aid is spent effectively and delivers value for money for the taxpayer
  • The Committee seeks clarity on ICAI's future resourcing and continued existence, and demands involvement in decisions regarding its future

Tone

Adversarial

Topics

international-developmentaid-effectivenesspublic-financeinstitutional-accountability

Key actors

Sarah Champion MP, Baroness Chapman of Darlington, International Development Committee, Independent Commission for Aid Impact, FCDO, Chief Commissioner of ICAI

Notable line

It is our understanding that the Chief Commissioner of ICAI also has received no further information from you or the Second Permanent Under-Secretary, despite multiple letters.

Key Quotes

It has been over a month since you stated, before this Committee, that the FCDO is considering reducing funding to ICAI.
Sarah Champion MP · Opening concern about lack of progress on funding decisions
I would like to reiterate the Committee's strong support for ICAI's work to ensure that aid is spent effectively for those who need it most, and delivers value for money for the taxpayer.
Sarah Champion MP · Reaffirming Committee's position on ICAI's importance
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Source · parliament.uk record ↗

Correspondence to the Minister of State for International Development & Africa relating to the Independent Commission for Aid Impact and ODA allocations - 5 March 2026 | Beyond The Vote | Beyond The Vote