Public Accounts Committee
2 July 2026
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Committee Actual start House of Commons
27:37 - 29:14
Speaker 1
Order. When I've got my remarks. Welcome to this session of the Public Accounts Committee on Thursday the 2nd of July 2026. Today we are examining the finances of the British Council, which continues to play an important role in promoting UK's soft power influence through our culture, language around the world.
It operates across dozens of countries and reaches millions of people each year. However, its financial position has come under sustained pressure from COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly reduced its commercial income from teaching and examinations. The organisation is now supported by a substantial government loan currently worth 197 million pounds, which it has yet to begin repaying in full, raising serious questions about its long-term financial resilience. Despite cost reductions and restructuring, the British Council remains loss-making and faces uncertainty over its future operating model and global footprint.
So today, the committee will examine how the British Council can achieve financial sustainability, how the government intends to resolve the current loan arrangements, and whether there is a long-term strategy for the role of the organisation. So without any further ado, I would be very grateful and I do extend a warm welcome to all the witnesses. I can't remember which is any of you first time to the committee? Yes, Helena and Vicki. A special warm welcome to you too.
I hope you'll find the session interesting. So, perhaps interim permanent secretary, could I ask you to introduce yourself first please?
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