Select committee: Public Accounts Committee
Conclusion 25
18th Report - The financial sustainability of the British Council
Published 30 Oct 2026
Public Accounts Committee Financial sustainability of the British Council All items in this report Report on parliament.uk ↗ Inquiry on parliament.uk ↗
Conclusion (the committee's words)
The British Council has already reduced staffing levels significantly since the pandemic, with more than 2,000 full-time equivalent posts removed since 2021.55 The British Council also plans further headcount reductions of approximately 25% as part of the turnaround plan and intends to close offices in nine countries while reducing its presence in others.56
From: Public Accounts Committee, 18th Report - The financial sustainability of the British Council (HC 100), 30 October 2026
Government response
Government response awaited: deadline 30 December 2026.