British Council Chief Executives to give evidence on funding pressures
The Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive of the British Council will give evidence to the Foreign Affairs Committee at 10.00 on Tuesday 28 October.
The session will focus on the British Council’s strategy to address projected overall losses of £22 million and the repayments for a £200 million loan from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). It will also discuss the Council’s contribution to the UK’s “soft power” posture.
Meeting details
Members are likely to ask about the Council’s Trustees’ conclusion that there is a "material uncertainty" over "the British Council's ability to continue in its current form”.
Questions are also likely to explore the impact of the Spending Review on the British Council and whether progress has been made on negotiating a long-term funding settlement from the FCDO. The potential sale of Council assets, such as artwork and buildings, as well as alternative funding models, such as using defence spending for the Council, will likely be discussed.