MPs warn government over wasting aid money in fragile states

MPs have commended the UK government for donating money to countries emerging from years of conflict but have warned that ministers must reduce the cost of delivering aid programmes.

MPs on the select committee on international development stated in a report that they support the UK government’s decision to increase the amount of money it spends in fragile states, from £1.8bn (€2.2bn; $2.8bn) in 2010-11 to £3.4bn in 2014-15. However, the report warns that “money can easily be wasted” in such countries.

It adds, “It is more risky and more costly to deliver programmes in fragile and conflict-affected states. The Department for International Development (DFID) must be open about these risks and open about the costs. However, we want to see evidence that DFID …