Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the suspension of the capital programme and funding for St Helena, particularly in respect of its residents' (1) employment, (2) disposable income, and (3) standard of living, and of the Island's progress towards expanding its tourism-based economy.

DFID has not suspended a capital programme. The most recent capital programme concluded in March 2018 and DFID is exploring options for a new programme. Financial aid has increased over the last 5 years and contributes more directly to indicators affecting well-being on the island including public sector wages, health and education.

The St Helena Government has recently published a household expenditure survey, and will soon launch a business and employment survey which will provide more information on disposable income and employment. The average annual incomes of residents after taking into account inflation has risen steadily between 2012/13 and 2016/17 and household expenditures show only modest increases of 16% over the last 8 years.