The UK Aid Network (UKAN) is a coalition of UK-based development NGOs working together to advocate for more and better aid. Members carry out joint policy, lobbying and advocacy work to make the case for increasing the volume and quality of official development assistance (ODA), mostly focusing on the UK's ODA policy and practice. However its remit also extends to the European and international levels through its engagement with the UK government on international issues, its participation in EU Aid Watch working groups (CONCORD) and the International Coordinating Group of civil society organisations working on Aid (Better Aid).

Questions are increasing about the Government's commitment to passing legislation on 0.7%. This Bill failed to emerge in the first session of parliament (as committed to by the Conservative Party) and the press are reporting that it is unlikely to be included in the Queen's speech on May 9th.

UK NGOs continue to lobby for this legislation to be included in the Queen's Speech, including through a letter to the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister pressuring the Government to fulfil the commitment. The Bill would set a powerful example for other countries to follow and would increase the predictability of aid - a key factor in aid effectiveness.

A DFID spokesperson has announced that the Bill is ready and the coalition will legislate it [the Bill] when parliamentary time allows. However, there is increasing concern that the Government is backing down on delivery of its spending plans.

Why "Global Light" and "Country-Focussed" must Work Together Effectively

At the high level forum on aid effectiveness in Busan, in December 2011, inclusive mutual accountability was identified as a key priority for achieving aid effectiveness and delivering results. The Busan Partnership agreement called for frameworks based on the national needs and priorities of individual developing countries for stakeholders to monitor progress and promote mutual accountability. Furthermore, the agreement committed to establish selective and relevant indicators and targets by June 2012, through which to monitor progress.

The UK Aid Network has prepared a report recommending the best approaches that the post-Busan monitoring negotiations should follow to implement the agreements and achieve successful national-level mutual accountability.

The document presents survey findings, evidence from partner countries' and civil society organisations' progress in inclusive mutual accountability and draws on case studies from Ghana, Mozambique and Rwanda. The analysis shows how a "light" but strong - global framework must exist for accountability at country level to advance.