§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will list the follow-up action taken by the countries which have completed poverty reduction strategy papers. [139617]
§ Hilary BennSo far, Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs) are being implemented in 32 countries, three of which are in the process of implementing their second PRSP (Bolivia, Nicaragua and Uganda). Through its Country Offices and with international partners, DFID is working closely to monitor progress on implementation.
Preliminary evidence suggests that many of these countries are using their PRSPs to maintain processes for civil society participation; improve the framing of macroeconomic policies; improve policies for service delivery and governance; improve public expenditure management; and shift spending priorities towards poverty reduction.
According to the World Bank and IMF, expenditure on poverty-reducing sectors (e.g. health, education, water, sanitations) has increased in PRSP countries by 4 per cent. of total spending, and by 1.5 per cent. of GDP. However, implementation of these strategies remains at an early stage, and will require sustained support both from country governments and the 1165W international community to help meet emerging challenges and realise the Millennium Development Goals.