In November 2020, the UK announced that it would cut its aid budget. Meaning that a $6.3 billion deficit and budget cut occurred. Resulting in multiple programs which were previously funded, being closed. The budget cuts were delivered in the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office’s annual report, which further outlined the planned spending framework of the United Kingdom’s aid budget. The aid cuts policy has revealed that the UK will be spending 0.2% less than the previously allocated aid cut. Meaning that 0.5% of the UK’s national income will be spent on official development assistance.
The aid cut has revealed that some of the poorest, low-income countries will be affected the most. While middle to high-income countries will contrastingly benefit since they will be receiving an
increase in funds. The unequal expenditure of funds has affected multiple countries that have lost valuable support and contribution necessary for the development and combatting of prevalent issues. Various sectors, in general, have also noticed a decrease in their funding. Sectors such as climate and environment, health (Ironic considering the Coronavirus pandemic), trade, humanitarian, education, and gender equality have all received reduced financial aid.
Unstable regions such as Bangladesh will receive an aid cut of 62%. Pakistan will receive an aid cut of 40%. Contrastingly, Brazil’s aid cut increased by almost 7000%. Mexico, which was not originally given any aid funding, has received an aid cut of $6.4 million. More stable regions such as Southern Africa and the Caribbean will receive an increase of 9.6 million pounds. Similarly, Egypt who had previously not received any funding will get 4 million pounds in financial aid. High conflict and unstable regions have received the opposite in terms of financial aid. Lebanon has received a reduction of 85% in financial aid. Syria, Yemen, and various Palestinian regions (Who are struggling with internal conflict) have received a reduction of funds by 60% and 70%. Somalia’s aid was reduced by 41%. Kenya and East Africa similarly received cuts of 39%. Nigeria will receive an aid cut of 55%.
The countries that are receiving a reduction in aid funding show evidence that they do need the original budget allocated to them. Bangladesh is currently experiencing high refugee rates due to the impact of Covid-19. Pakistan is experiencing attacks on civil society groups. Lebanon is currently experiencing an economic crisis. Syria is experiencing a humanitarian crisis. Somalia is also currently experiencing a humanitarian crisis. Kenya is experiencing police brutality. Nigeria is currently experiencing widespread violence.
Contrastingly, the countries that are receiving an increase in financial aid can be seen as relatively stable regions with developing economies. However, it is evident from Devex’s analysis that both lowincome territories, as well as high-income territories, will be losing potentially half of last year’s
previously delivered funding.