British Council Annual Report and Accounts 2023-24

Thursday 27th March 2025 Written Statements

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr Hamish Falconer)]

The Minister of State for International Development, Latin America and Caribbean, my noble Friend Baroness Chapman of Darlington, has today made the following statement:

The British Council is an important international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities for the UK. It supports peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. It does this by uniquely combining the UK’s deep expertise in arts and culture, education and the English language, its global presence and relationships in over 100 countries, and its unparalleled access to young people and influencers around the world.

In 2023-24 the British Council received £161.5 million core grant in aid from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

With a total reach of 589 million people in 2023-24, the British Council creates mutually beneficial relationships between the people of all four nations of the UK and other countries. Such connections, based on an understanding of each other’s strengths and shared values, build an enduring trust. This helps strengthen the UK’s global reputation and influence, encouraging people from around the world to visit, study, trade and make alliances with the UK.

Copies of the British Council’s annual report and accounts for the 2023-24 financial year have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. The annual report can also be found at the British Council’s website: www.britishcouncil.org/about-us/how-we-work/corporate-reports

[HCWS563]