Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their response to the findings by the Independent Commission for Aid Impact in their report <i>The effects of DfID's cash transfer programmes on poverty and vulnerability</i>, published on 12 January, that Department for International Development officials tolerate weaknesses in aid programmes and choose not to challenge partner countries on strongly held positions.

The UK has a zero-tolerance approach to fraud and corruption and has robust systems in place to protect UK aid investments. DFID works alongside partner governments to support those most in need, while raising important issues at every level of government where necessary. As ICAI stated, this approach works: “During our visit to Rwanda, we found evidence that DFID’s policy advocacy had significantly influenced counterpart attitudes and beliefs. For example, it is now settled that people living with disabilities are an important target group; the assistance now focuses on how best to identify and target them.”