Corruption is a significant obstacle to the development of effective government systems and, consequently, to the delivery of improved services to the world’s poor.
Jump to downloadsWeak public expenditure management is one of the main reasons why poor countries remain poor. Amongst other things, it allows corruption to flourish and, in turn, corruption is a significant obstacle to the development of effective government systems and, consequently, to the delivery of improved services to the world’s poor. It can also undermine the effectiveness of aid programmes and weaken public support for development assistance by creating the perception that all aid is affected. Within this context, the Department for International Development (DFID) is responsible for ensuring that there are proper and effective safeguards in place to protect aid provided by the United Kingdom government from being used for purposes other than those intended. The National Audit Office recognises that there are risks inherent in disbursement of aid and expects DFID to take appropriate steps to mitigate such risks in the management of its aid programmes.
July 2003
