To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of funding for the British Council from her Department.
Answered on
20 December 2021
We have allocated over £600 million since the pandemic hit to secure the British Council's future despite the challenging economic climate. This includes a 2021/22 Spending Review settlement totalling £189 million, a 27 per cent increase on funding for 2020/21. Whilst we have had to make difficult decisions in other areas, we have increased the money we are providing to the Council. Final Spending Review allocations for 2022/2025 will be confirmed after the conclusion of the FCDO business planning process. We remain committed to the British Council and will continue to work together to deliver our shared ambitions for Global Britain.