𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Britain is spending a fifth of the foreign aid budget on housing migrants, according to a new report. Aid money traditionally goes overseas to help the world’s poorest nations. But much of the cash is being spent here in the UK instead, and the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) said using funds which should be going overseas in the UK poses a “serious risk to value for money”.

An eyewatering £2.8 billion was spent on housing migrants and asylum seekers in Britain in 2024 – £1 billion more than went on humanitarian aid. It comes as foreign aid spending is due to fall from 0.5% of national income to 0.3% from 2027, with the cash diverted to defence.

ICAI Commissioner Harold Freeman, who led the review, said: “As the aid budget shrinks and ministers have to make hard choices, independent scrutiny will be essential to ensure what remains of UK aid is delivering meaningful results for people who need it most.

“It’s also clear that the current practice of combining UK asylum support costs with overseas development spending within a single budget is not logical or transparent.

“Asylum costs serve a distinct purpose and are driven by domestic pressures, rather than the UK’s priorities overseas.

“We recommend that treating these costs separately could help restore clarity and public confidence in how the UK uses its aid budget.”

It comes as more than 3,000 people have already crossed the Channel in small boats so far this year.

While the number of migrants being housed in hotels has fallen, the number in houses, flats and bedsits has increased, Home Office figures showed last month.

There has long been controversy over foreign aid spending with accusations of waste and claims it has helped terror groups.