Prime Minister David Cameron was “mesmerised” by the Kids Company boss Camila Batmanghelidjh and over-ruled concerns raised, it has been claimed.

A senior figure involved in funding talks with the high-profile charity told the BBC’s Norman Smith: “We were all over-ridden by Number 10.”

Kids Company, which faces accusations of financial mismanagement, is expected to close its services at 17:00 BST.
It was given a £3m government grant a week ago.

Measures are being put in place to support children who use the charity, which supports deprived young people and their families.

On its Facebook page, Kids Company criticised the “media frenzy” and said the “collective focus” should be children’s welfare.

Glamour

The source suggested officials and ministers at the Department for Education had repeatedly expressed opposition to continued funding for the charity because of concerns about its performance and management.
It is suggested such concerns were expressed as far back as 2012.

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