UK’s Foreign Aid at Risk of 17-Year Low Without Swift Government Intervention
Leading charities and humanitarian groups are urging the UK government to act quickly to prevent a drastic reduction in overseas aid spending, which could drop to its lowest level since 2007. According to over 100 NGOs, without immediate action in the upcoming budget, the aid allocation in 2024 is expected to shrink to just 0.36% of the UK’s Gross National Income (GNI).
Why Aid Funding Is Dropping
Much of the aid budget is redirected to cover the increasing costs of housing refugees and asylum seekers in the UK. Humanitarian organizations argue that this diversion of funds is preventing essential aid from reaching millions of vulnerable people globally.
Consequences of Inaction
Aid organizations warn that unless the government revises its budget strategy, the UK risks losing credibility on the global stage. Key summits, including the UN General Assembly and COP29, may see the UK underperforming and unable to fulfill its humanitarian pledges.
Refugee Housing Costs Strain Budget
Official statistics indicate that housing costs for refugees and asylum seekers in the UK have skyrocketed, with expenses rising from £500 million in 2019 to £4.3 billion in 2023. It represents nearly 29% of the overall aid budget, leaving far less available for international development.
Calls for Government Action
The last government temporarily injected £2.5 billion to cover refugee costs, but this funding expired in April. As a result, aid groups are pushing for renewed financial support. They argue that, without a boost to the aid budget, the UK will fail to meet its obligations to fight global poverty and provide humanitarian assistance.
Political Pressure Mounts
Members of Parliament and prominent charity leaders are adding to the pressure. Sarah Champion, chair of the International Development Committee, criticizes the current use of aid funds, saying that while supporting refugees is crucial, allocating billions to cover expensive hotel stays in the UK undermines efforts to tackle poverty worldwide.
Urgency Ahead of Key Summits
In a letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, leading NGOs—including ActionAid UK, Oxfam GB, and Save the Children UK—called for a commitment to maintain the current 0.58% GNI aid spending and restore it to the previous target of 0.7% as soon as possible.
Risks to Global Humanitarian Efforts
Romilly Greenhill, CEO of Bond, expressed deep concerns about further cuts to the aid budget, emphasizing the need for immediate action to avoid devastating consequences for global humanitarian programs.
Time for a New Strategy
The upcoming autumn budget is a critical moment for the UK government to reconsider its aid spending policies. Without action, the country risks abandoning millions in need and losing its standing as a global leader in humanitarian aid.
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