Public set to go online to keep track of foreign aid
MINISTERS must tackle public concerns about the multi-billion pound foreign aid budget by putting “British values” at the heart of international development, Penny Mordaunt insisted yesterday.
The International Development Secretary promised a sweeping overhaul of the way overseas assistance is delivered, to address complaints about waste and corruption.
She admitted there was a “lack of trust” from the public in the aid system following the sexual misconduct scandal that has hit Oxfam and other charities.
“I hear you, I get it, I really do,” Ms Mordaunt said, in a speech directed at critics of aid policies.
“Our new development offer needs to be a national mission we can unite behind.
“It should unashamedly have British values at its heart. It should be fit for the world as it is today.
“We have a moral obligation to the people we seek to help, and those who enable us to do so, to get the best value for money and most positive impact for every pound we spend.”
Her remarks at an event in central London follow recent figures showing Britain’s annual foreign aid budget, based on an annual target of 0.7 per cent of gross domestic product, has soared to almost £14billion.
Outlining her plans for shaking up the system, Ms Mordaunt said taxpayers should be able to use the internet to keep track of exactly where and when UK aid money is spent overseas.
“In the future, we should develop our tracking tools so the public can see in real time the results of the projects they fund,” she said.
She also said Whitehall officials could play a far bigger role in scrutinising how aid money is spent rather than leaving decisions entirely to aid organisations.
Ms Mordaunt insisted she had listened to critics of the Government’s aid policies who argued “that we are spending too much, or that our spending is wasted or goes straight into the pockets of the corrupt”.
She said anger at aid spending was driven by similar concerns to those behind the vote for Brexit in 2016.
“We are a global power, as well as a European one. And in voting for Brexit I wanted my country to project those values on to the world stage.” she said.
“Brexit itself is both an example of our faith in democracy and fundamental freedoms.”
Voters had been shocked by the recent scandal about sexual misconduct by staff at Oxfam and other aid charities “because they care about those values”, she said.
“Our national values and institutions are unselfish – we believe in sharing, in paying tax.”
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