I am aware of the fact that the Department for International Development (DFID) has said that a number of recent newspaper articles have reported claims that misrepresent or inaccurately portray projects supported by it, or focus on projects that are no longer funded.
Whilst I appreciate people’s concerns about the allocation of government funding, and recognise the importance of transparency involving the taxpayer’s money, it is important to remember that UK aid is spent where it is most needed and is subject to rigorous internal and external checks and scrutiny at all stages. The Government has reformed the UK's aid strategy, cutting wasteful programmes and making sure spending is firmly in the UK's national interest. Alongside an increased Defence budget and the UK's world class diplomatic service, our aid programme is helping to create a more prosperous and stable world in which the UK can set a leading example and flourish.
This is an approach that works; it has helped reduce the threat to the UK from Ebola in West Africa, it is targeting the root causes of the migration crisis, and it is increasing economic prospects in fragile states to counter extremism and help build our future trading partners. Overseas aid also reduces pressure on immigration as development is supported and encouraged around the world, as well as reducing global economic inequality.
In addition, the UK supports the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI), a global campaign to create transparency in the records of how aid money is spent. The initiative ensures that aid money reaches its intended recipients and protects our foreign affairs investments through transparency and accountability, with the ultimate goal being to improve standards of living worldwide and globally reduce poverty.
It is also interesting to note that the DIFD has a website which follows how the UK invests in developing countries. The link is available here: https://devtracker.dfid.gov.uk/