Drooid Logo
Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

UK Aid Budget: One-Fifth Spent on Migrant Housing

3/13/2026

42 3 Full Breakdown

1 of 1

Story summary
  • Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) reports United Kingdom allocated one-fifth of its aid budget to housing migrants and asylum seekers, overshadowing humanitarian aid.
  • In 2024, £2.8 billion was spent on these costs, about £1 billion more than overseas aid.
  • The report criticizes this practice as undermining value for money in aid spending.
  • Harold Freeman, ICAI commissioner, says asylum costs should be separated from the aid budget to restore confidence.