Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government how much has been paid to BBC Media Action in the last five years and for what particular purposes; whether evaluations by the Department for International Development found spending objectives have been achieved; and whether there are plans to continue these payments.

In the five years to November 2016 the Government provided approximately £101 million directly to BBC Media Action, including £86 million from DFID and £15 million from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Conflict Stability and Security Fund. DFID also provided approximately £17 million subcontracted via other programmes.

The direct funding has included work to improve people’s access to health information, resilience to natural disasters and community dialogues to foster peace and accountability. DFID’s reviews of its global programme have assessed that objectives were exceeded, for example 92 million people in Africa and Asia have been reached through targeted radio and television programmes and public service advertisements designed to improve the health of mothers and their children. In 2016, 60% reported adopting healthier behaviours on issues such as antenatal care, breastfeeding and safe delivery.

The DFID global programme will end in 2017 but other programmes will continue beyond 2017. Future funding by HMG will be determined on a case by case basis and depend on robust value for money assessments.