Probe into spending on foreign aid experts ordered

NEW International Development Secretary Justine Greening has asked for an internal report into her department’s spending on technical experts and consultants, it was confirmed yesterday.

Nearly £500m is paid each year to companies which work on projects such as developing the tax system, free market and education in Third World countries – and it is understood that Ms Greening wants to be sure that it represents value for taxpayers’ money.

The Department for International Development yesterday said that the organisations had won the contracts though a competitive bid process.

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A spokesman said: “The Secretary of State of State has asked for an internal report into the department’s spend on technical experts.

“As the new International Development Secretary she is taking a close look at every aspect of the department’s spending.”

Prime Minister David Cameron’s official spokesman said: “The Government has completely overhauled its aid programme.

“Over the past two years, there has been a root-and-branch review of all our aid programmes to ensure that we are spending the money in the right way and that the money is going where it is most needed.

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“We have ensured that our aid spending is more transparent than ever before, we have set up a watchdog to ensure that the money we spend gets results.”

Shadow International Development Secretary Ivan Lewis said: “From day one in Government, the Tories have instructed DfID officials to massively increase the amount of funding being spent via private companies including consultants.

“This has nothing to do with value for money and everything to do with ideology. Justine Greening’s crocodile tears are sheer hypocrisy.”