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

Parliament last updated

15 May 2014

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

This bill would stop tying UK foreign aid to a fixed share of Gross National Income (GNI). Instead, Parliament would set the annual level of aid based on need, rather than a set percentage, making funding decisions more responsive to current development priorities.

Key Points

Abolishes linking foreign aid to a fixed percentage of GNI.
Parliament would decide the annual level of aid and development spending each year.
Funding would be allocated based on development need rather than a formula.
Could affect budgeting, planning and predictability of aid programmes.
Covers UK foreign aid programmes managed by the government.

Progress

The bill is at its 2nd reading in the House of Commons; the latest listed stage is the 2nd reading, with an originating date in 2013 and no further progress shown in the current record.

Who is affected?

UK taxpayersGovernment departments responsible for foreign aid (e.g., the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)UK-based international aid organisations and NGOsPeople in developing countries who receive UK aid

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

24 Jun 2013

2nd readingCommons

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

1st readingLords

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

Royal Assent

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.