UK Foreign Aid Spending to Drop to 0.3% of GNI by 2027 Amid Significant Cuts
UK foreign aid spending is set to drop to 0.3% of gross national income by 2027, the lowest level this century, as the government reallocates funds to increase defense spending against Russia. Starting in 2026, cuts totaling £6.5 billion will significantly impact foreign aid departments, with a projected workforce reduction of up to 25%. NGOs warn that these reductions will lead to the closure of many programs, and funding for overseas health projects will also see a substantial decrease.
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UK foreign aid spending is projected to decline to its lowest level this century, with cuts beginning in 2026. The government plans to reduce foreign aid from 0.5% of gross national income (GNI) to 0.3% by 2027 to increase defense spending against Russia.
Total cuts amount to 6.5 billion, with only 500 million allocated for 2025-26 and accelerating to 4.8 billion in 2026-27. The International Development Select Committee chair, Sarah Champion, warns that the full impact of these cuts will be felt in 2026.
The Foreign Office expects a workforce reduction of up to 25%, heavily affecting foreign aid departments. By 2027-28, GNI spending on aid will be at its lowest since 1999, with funds also redirected to asylum seeker treatment.
NGOs report significant impacts, with many programs closing. The Department of Health's funding for overseas projects will decrease from $331 million to $123 million by 2027-28.
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