British Council could close offices in 60 countries amid aid budget cuts

Ministers have asked the British Council to draw up spending plans that could force it to close in as many as 60 countries, sources have told the Guardian, in the latest sign of the impact of Keir Starmer's decision to cut the aid budget.

- Kiran Stacey Michael Savage

The council has been asked to draw up two sets of spending plans as part of tomorrow's spending review: one in which its funding would remain the same in cash terms and one in which it would be cut by 2% in cash terms each year.

The scenarios are the same as those demanded of the BBC World Service, and would mean the council having to shut in large parts of the world.

Scott McDonald, the chief executive, said: "The British Council plays a vital role in delivering UK soft power around the globe. Investment in soft power is imperative to any nation that wishes to be instrumental on the world stage. Over the last three years we have taken £180m of costs out of the organisation through a substantial transformation plan, but the amount of funding we receive from the UK government will have an impact on country closures."