Bond reaction to IDC report on FCDO’s approach to Value for Money in ODA

Today, Wednesday 29th October 2025, a new report from the International Development Committee (IDC) into the FCDO’s approach to value for money in Official Development Assistance (ODA) has found that cuts to the UK’s aid budget, and an unclear definition of value for money, risk worse outcomes for the world’s most vulnerable people.

The report, ‘Assessing Value, Ensuring Impact: The FCDO’s Approach to Value for Money in Official Development Assistance’, finds that there is very little publicly available information on the FCDO’s understanding of value for money, or guidance for FCDO staff and partners. 

The Committee also says it is “disappointed” that the FCDO currently defines ‘value for money’ in terms of value to the taxpayer, not improving the lives of those in poverty. It therefore recommends that the FCDO make clear that improving the lives of those in poverty is the core principle of its approach.

In reaction to the IDC’s report, Gideon Rabinowitz, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Bond, the UK network of NGOs, said: 

Amidst cuts to UK aid this year, it is more important than ever that the government’s UK aid spending is transparent, efficient, and focused on delivering value for money for those around the world who need it most, as well as to the UK taxpayer. The IDC’s findings highlight that these devastating cuts – and an apparent lack of clear strategy within FCDO around ‘value for money’ – risk undermining the impact of UK aid on the lives of those it is meant to support.

Tackling poverty around the world must be central to the government’s approach to UK aid spending – and the FCDO’s definition of ‘value for money’ should consider the taxpayer whilst retaining focus on the world’s most marginalised communities. This approach will also secure value for the taxpayer by helping to make the world a healthier and safer place for us all.

As the UK aid budget shrinks, the UK government must ensure that every penny counts towards tackling poverty and improving the lives of people around the world.

ENDS. 

Notes for editors

1. For the IDC report and press release, please contact Jacob Moreton [email protected] / 07720 143396
2. Bond unites and supports a diverse network of over 350 civil society organisations from across the UK, and allies to help eradicate global poverty, inequality and injustice.
3. For further information or interviews, please get in touch with Emily Loynes at [email protected] or 07909947850