Kids Company boss Camilla Batmanghelidjh 'mesmerised Cameron' while Government concerns about charity support were 'over-ridden'
Kids Company is reportedly set to close just one week after receiving a £3m Government grant
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Kids Company boss Camilla Batmanghelidjh “mesmerised" Prime Minister David Cameron, who overrode ministers when they voiced concerns over the Government’s support of the charity, it has been claimed.
Speaking to the BBC, a senior figure involved in funding talks with Kids Company reportedly said that Ms Batmanghelidjh was a “good news story” for the Conservative party, but called the situation a case of “glamour over substance”.
The source claimed that Number 10 had “over-ridden” education ministers when they attempted to raise concerns over the charity’s performance and management and oppose further Government funding, claiming the issue dated back to 2012. Ms Batmanghelidjh denies claims of mismanagement.
Kids Company is reportedly expected to close on Wednesday just a week after receiving a £3 million Government grant on the condition that it made changes to how the organisation is run.
Ms Batmanghelidjh announced last month that she would step down as chief executive, as part of the shake-up.
The charity’s boss is said to have emailed staff within the charity last week to say they would be paid.
Newsnight and Buzzfeed News obtained the emails in which Ms Batmanghelidjh allegedly told staff: “I just want to let you know that we have just received our funding from the government and are processing payroll right now.”
Kids Company offers a huge range of services, from housing and health to education and employment. It claims to have helped 36,000 people across London, Bristol and Liverpool since it was founded by Camila Batmanghelidjh in 1996.
It offers a “safe, caring, family environment” for those who are at risk because their parents are battling practical and emotional issues which mean they face a “struggle to survive”.
Additional reporting by agencies
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments