David Cameron: Right to give Kids Company 'last chance' £3m

David Cameron has defended the Government's decision to give £3 million to Kids Company, insisting it was right to give the charity "one last chance".

The Prime Minister said he was "sad" the charity's work was over but it was right to use taxpayers' money to save the scandal-hit organisation, which has faced mounting criticism.

Kids Company founder Camila Batmanghelidjh has defended her role amid allegations of sexual abuse, violence and drug taking involving young people in its care.

She also rejected claims of financial mismanagement at the charity, which was forced to close its doors this week after funding ran out.

A recent £3 million grant given to the charity by ministers, against the advice of senior civil servants, was partly used for salaries.

It has been reported the decision to pay staff with the money triggered the decision by ministers to claw back the cash.

Mr Cameron, speaking on a visit to the National Citizen Service (NCS), a social enterprise helping teenagers with training and life skills, said: "The Government thought it was the right thing to do to give this charity one last chance of restructuring to try and make sure it could continue its excellent work.

"Sadly that didn't happen not least because of the allegations that were made and private donors withdrawing their money.

"But I think the Government was right to say, 'Let's have one last go,' to try and keep this charity going, given the excellent work its done for so many young people."

Mr Cameron added: "Obviously I'm sad that this charity that's done brilliant work with young children has come to an end.

"The most important thing now is we look after the young children that Kids Company was helping in their lives.

"So it's sad it's come to an end, it did good work and that's why the Government supported it."