Foreign Aid Ring-Fencing (Abolition) Bill

A Bill to make provision for foreign aid and development not to be linked to a specific percentage of Gross National Income, but to be set yearly, by Parliament, in relation to need.

Originating House

House of Commons

Last Updated

15 May 2014

In Plain English

AI-generated

This bill would stop linking foreign aid to a fixed share of the UK's gross national income (GNI). Instead, Parliament would set the aid and development budget each year based on need. In effect, it abolishes the rule that guarantees a specific percentage of income for aid.

Key Points

Abolishes the current rule that foreign aid must be a fixed percentage of GNI.
Parliament would decide annual foreign aid and development spending based on assessed need.
Shifts budgeting from a formula to yearly parliamentary oversight.
Could increase flexibility to respond to changing global needs, but may reduce predictability of aid budgets.
Affects aid recipients, UK taxpayers, aid organisations, and government departments involved in delivering aid.

Progress

The bill is at the second-reading stage in the House of Commons. If it progresses, it would move to committee for detailed examination, followed by a third reading in the Commons and then consideration by the House of Lords.

Who is affected?

UK taxpayers and households funding foreign aidPeople in low- and middle-income countries receiving aidUK aid organisations, charities, and development workersUK government departments and agencies involved in budgeting and delivering aid (e.g., the FCDO)Parliament and its committees responsible for budget oversight

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Foreign Aid Ring-Fencing (Abolition)

1 Jan 1970

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress.

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

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