The OECD has released its latest raft of aid figures today, revealing that aid continues to slips further as governments tighten budgets.

The statistics show that development aid fell by 4% in real terms in 2012, following a 2% fall in 2011.  The continuing financial crisis and euro zone turmoil has led several governments to restrict their budgets, which has had a direct impact on aid to poor countries.  There is also a noticeable shift in aid away from the poorest countries and towards middle-income countries.

Since 2010, the year it reached its peak, official development assistance (ODA) has fallen by 6.0% in real terms.  Excluding 2007, which saw the end of exceptional debt relief operations, the fall in 2012 is the largest since 1997.  It is also the first time since 1996-97 that aid has fallen in two successive years.

However, on the basis of a survey on Donors’ Forward Spending Plans, a moderate recovery in aid levels is expected in 2013.

See how all the donors fared on the OECD website.