British Council (Hansard, 31 October 2000)

§ Mr. Hain

The British Council has reviewed its operations over the next five years, to ensure that it continues to make maximum impact in a world of rapid change and to exploit new opportunities to reach wider, younger target audiences.

As a result, and with the encouragement of the FCO, the Council will increase its work in countries in transition to full democracy. It will open up in Armenia, and increase resources for Central and Eastern Europe.

In recognition of the important work the Council does overseas, under this year's Spending Review of 2001–02 to 2003–04 the Council will receive an increase in its grant in aid of £24.8 million. In addition to helping to fund the proposed expansion in the Council's overseas network, particularly in Russia and China, it will assist in the development of new knowledge and learning centres, for the benefit mainly of developing countries.

In Western Europe, where infrastructure costs are particularly high, and new forms of Information Technology widely used, the Council will make a significant shift in resources from fixed costs to activities. It will focus its physical presence in capital cities and use some of the savings to fund investment in new, IT-based programmes and services, exploiting the enormous potential of the new media. This will allow the Council to reach wider audiences, particularly young professional people, while maintaining core programmes.

To reflect changed priorities the Council will close country directorates in Belarus, Ecuador, Lesotho and Swaziland (citizens of some of these countries may still be able to participate in British Council programmes in their region). The Council will also close a small number of offices outside capital cities. Where appropriate, it plans to modify library and information services to match changing patterns of local demand.

The reduction in physical presence will allow overall program expenditure to increase. Arts, science, English language teaching and education training will remain core activities. The Council will expand work on governance and human rights; it will aim work in science, the 367W environment, health and technology at wider, younger audiences. Generally, it will move to larger cross-sectoral activities that will attract wider audiences and have greater media impact.

In summary, the Council's new strategy is designed to ensure that it remains in tune with the evolving needs of target audiences as we move into a new century.