Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, when determining the annual revenue support grant to be allocated to St Helena, how much time is given to the St Helena Council to consider the local taxation that it will need to raise; and what representations they have received regarding the adequacy of the length of time given.

The process to determine the level of UK Government financial support to St Helena for 2017/18 has followed standard DFID procedures. It began during November 2016 when the St Helena Government (SHG) provided budget forecasts and DFID officials visited the island for intense discussions of the budget proposals. Elected Members took an active role throughout these discussions.

A revised budget from SHG in January provided more detailed and prioritised spending projections. Following internal quality assurance Ministers approved the level of DFID’s contribution to the budget on 30 March 2017. This approval was relayed to SHG Officials on 31 March.

Throughout the process DFID officials were in regular contact with their SHG counterparts. Financial Aid makes an important contribution to the long term growth and development of St Helena.

The UK Government has a duty to ensure value for taxpayers’ money as it meets its international commitments.