Future of British Council uncertain as institution still owes £197m of Covid loan (opens original article in a new tab)

The British Council remains in financial difficulty six years after receiving a £197m government loan, with no repayment of principal and plans to cut staff and close offices to address its debt.

• British Council has not repaid £197m government loan six years after receiving it.
• NAO found British Council only started making interest payments in April 2024, with capital remaining unpaid.
• British Council plans to close offices in 11 countries and make 25% of staff redundant to address financial issues.