The British Council, which promotes cultural relations and international education in over 100 countries, is seeking government support amid £250 million in budget cuts and potential staff reductions.
CEO Scott McDonald warned that without aid, the UK could lose its key global advocate. The Council generates 85% of its income from commercial activities like English language teaching and exams, with only 15% from government funding—far less than similar agencies in France and Germany.
As a key player in IELTS, alongside IDP Education and Cambridge English, the British Council enhances the UK's global reputation, attracts students, and builds international partnerships. A weakened presence could diminish the UK's influence worldwide.
The British Council plays a key role in international student recruitment through its Study UK Campaign, with over 40,000 individuals engaging on its alumni platform.
Its Agent Quality Framework has trained and certified more than 34,000 education agents, and in the past year alone, it supported nearly 500 transnational education (TNE) partnerships worldwide.
“We have no shareholders, so all profits are reinvested into building international relationships for the UK,” said CEO Scott McDonald, warning that operations in 40 countries might shut down to ensure the Council’s survival.
McDonald’s remarks on X followed his appointment to the UK Soft Power Council, which was launched alongside a £60m funding boost for creative industries.
The Council’s financial struggles stem from a £197m Covid-era government loan without a set repayment plan. The loan’s interest now costs £14m annually.
“We need urgent help. The government must restructure the loan on fair terms and increase funding so we can continue our global work,” McDonald told The Guardian, cautioning that without support, the Council could vanish within a decade.
He reportedly offered the Council’s £200m art collection in exchange for loan forgiveness, but the government declined.
A Foreign Office spokesperson stated that due to its commercial activities, the Council is subject to subsidy controls and must repay the loan when financially feasible.
In 2021, the Council sold its Indian IELTS operation to IDP for £130m. While some speculate further sales to secure funding, no such plans have been announced.
Source: THEPIENEWS
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