Briefing
This briefing analyses recent trends in the quantity and quality of the United Kingdom’s official development assistance (ODA), using data from the OECD DAC and the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI) up to 2021. It examines how UK aid volumes have changed in the context of political decisions and global shocks, and assesses how effectively UK ODA is targeted towards people and countries experiencing the greatest levels of poverty.
The briefing reviews changes in overall aid levels, regional and sectoral allocations, and the growing share of aid that does not target specific countries. It also examines trends in UK ODA to least developed countries and the extent to which UK aid supports sectors critical for poverty reduction. Overall, the briefing provides an evidence base to inform debate on the future direction of UK development policy and its contribution to poverty reduction.