Question to the Department for International Development:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on ensuring that Government departments with responsibility for spending money from (a) the Prosperity Fund and (b) other aid budgets respond to inquiries from the Independent Commission for Aid Impact.
ICAI’s mandate to scrutinise all UK Government Aid is clearly articulated in the UK Aid Strategy. This has been reiterated across government at all levels, including Ministerial, and the importance of positive engagement is emphasised in guidance to UK ODA spending departments. In addition, the Prosperity Fund is overseen by a Ministerial Board which meets regularly, with Lord Bates representing DFID. The Board sets the strategic priorities for the Fund, which include the requirements to comply with ICAI reviews.