British Overseas Territories

Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs written question – answered at on 7 July 2014.

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Photo of Jim Cunningham Jim Cunningham Labour, Coventry South

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make an assessment of recent trends in (a) the cost of living and (b) living standards in Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha.

Photo of Mark Simmonds Mark Simmonds The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

Managing the cost of living and living standards is largely a matter for the locally elected government with HMG providing support as may be appropriate.

As St Helena moves towards the opening of its airport, the island has seen a number of positive developments. Incomes have increased significantly over the last two years and unemployment is low. Ascension Island's special status means that those living there must be employed. The standard of living is good with satisfactory education and health services. Employees receive a competitive housing, salary and allowances package. Although Tristan da Cunha is not in receipt of budgetary aid, HMG provides support in training, health, education and infrastructure to help improve living standards.

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