Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that UK Overseas Development Aid focuses on poverty alleviation and building the capacity of recipients.

All UK Aid aims to support the delivery of the UN Global Goals, end extreme poverty and promote the economic development and welfare of developing countries. The 2015 UK Aid Strategy aligns the government’s efforts to deliver upon this commitment.

The International Development Act 2002 mandates DFID to use development assistance for poverty reduction. Internal review and approval processes ensure that programmes are focussed upon poverty alleviation and capacity building. Programme concept notes and business cases must demonstrate a focus on poverty reduction and sustainability to receive approval. All DFID programmes are reviewed annually to ensure they are achieving their aims and delivering good value to recipients and the UK tax payer.