We want to ensure that the support we provide helps the world's poorest people to lift themselves out of poverty.
That is why we are providing more help to ‘fragile states’. Nearly a third of the world’s poorest people live in fragile states - these are countries like Sudan, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where citizens often cannot rely on services such as water, education and justice. In many fragile states, basic rights to life and security are also violated.
Before we decide to give aid we look at the situation in a country. Is it under threat of war? Have other givers of aid bypassed it? Will it, like China or India, have a big impact on the world’s economy in the future? Ministers weigh these considerations before deciding how and where to provide support.
The support we provide to governments comes with conditions. We assess whether they are committed to tackling poverty, upholding human rights and managing public money wisely. They must also be determined to tackle corruption and be open and honest in how they govern. We must show we are getting concrete results for the support we provide.
We expect governments to publish a national action plan for ending poverty. These action plans must take account of the needs and concerns of poor people.
If a government veers from its aim to reduce poverty, we may decide to provide support in a different way, for example through the United Nations or through charities. Or we may stop our support - but this is always a last resort, because it hurts the people we're trying to help.