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Written question asked by Catherine West (Labour) on Monday, 15 November 2021, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 November 2021 (named day). It was answered by James Cleverly (Conservative) on Thursday, 18 November 2021 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

British Council: Finance

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the impact of the reduction to funding to the British Council will have on its operations in Europe and the Americas; and whether she expects British Council offices to close in those regions.

Answer

Funding for the British Council has not been reduced. The FCDO has supported the British Council during a uniquely challenging time for the Council who were acutely affected by the pandemic. At its peak, over 90 per cent of the organisation's teaching and exams centres were forced to shut. FCDO has allocated over £600 million since the start of the pandemic to secure the Council's future within a challenging economic climate. This includes a 2021/22 Spending Review settlement totalling £189 million, a 27% increase on funding for 2020/21. Whilst we have had to make difficult decisions in other areas, funding for the Council increased overall.

Choices around the shape of the Council's network in Europe, the Americas and the rest of the world are still being considered. Ultimately is a matter for the British Council to determine along with delivery of their work via technology and digital services, which the Council has invested in and which has rapidly expanded as a result of the pandemic. The British Council will continue to operate in over 100 countries promoting the English language, UK arts and culture and education.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
75084
Session
2021-22
Subjects
EU countries Finance South America British Council North America
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk