Conclusion 18

The British Council told us that it delivered the programme of cost reductions, restructuring activity and asset sales that had been planned, but that revenue growth proved much harder to achieve than expected.42 The British Council acknowledged that, with hindsight, the organisation should have cut more costs in the initial stages of the business plan.43 39 C&AG’s Report, para 2.4, Figure 6 40 C&AG’s Report, para 1.15, Figure 6 41 C&AG’s Report, para 1.15 42 Qq 18, 19 43 Q 21 14 The British Council also argued that it was not alone in dealing with the uncertainty after the Covid-pandemic, with most businesses unsure whether they would bounce back to this day.44