Budget fails world's women and girls as overseas aid cuts hit hard

Today, the Chancellor announced his 2021/22 Budget, which included forecasts to return to the 0.7 aid commitment by 2024/25.

Rose Caldwell, Chief Executive of Plan International UK, said: “Returning to the 0.7 aid commitment in 2024-25 simply isn’t good enough, and there is no guarantee it will happen. It’s welcome news that the UK economy is recovering, but the world’s women and girls need our full support now, not in three years’ time. By then, cuts to overseas aid will have done untold damage.
 
“The Government has already cut global education funding by 30 per cent, impacting more than a million children. Similarly, aid for sexual and reproductive health has been cut by 85 per cent - a decision that is expected to result in 8,000 more maternal deaths and 1.4m more unsafe abortions in this fiscal year (see note). 

“On top of this, the Government’s reported plans to count IMF funds and write off debt relief against the aid commitment are effectively under-the-table cuts. They will mean even less money for critical areas such as girls’ education and family planning.
 
“The Treasury should urgently reconsider these decisions and prioritise an immediate return to the 0.7 manifesto commitment. Until that happens, the Government must prioritise women and girls in its spending decisions on overseas aid.”