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A meeting of Executive Council (ExCo) was held on 24 March 2026.
The agenda for the meeting was as follows:
| CLOSED AGENDA 1. Declaration of Interest 2. Confirmation of Minutes of the Executive Council Meeting held on 20 February 2026 3. Matters Arising from Minutes of 20 February 2026 4. Confirmation of Minutes of the Executive Council Meeting held on 24 February 2026 5. Matters Arising from Minutes of 24 February 2026 6. Confirmation of Minutes of the Executive Council Meeting held on 06 March 2026 7. Matters Arising from Minutes of 06 March 2026 8. Proposed Minimum Wage 2026/27 (ExCo Memo 10/2026) 9. Select Committees (Establishment) Order, 2026 (ExCo Memo 11/2026) 10. Customs Duty Changes 2026 – Diesel Exemption (ExCo Memo 12/2026) 11. SHG Financial Statements, 2024/25 (ExCo Memo 13/2026) 12. Bank of St Helena (BOSH) Dividend, 2025 (ExCo Memo 14/2026) 13. Ministerial Updates on significant issues NB Items marked (*) are commercially sensitive and depending on the subject matter, might not be referred to in the top lines. |
The following items were considered:
2 – 7. Confirmation of Minutes and Matters Arising from the Minutes
Executive Council confirmed and signed off the minutes of the meetings held on 20 February, 24 February and 06 March 2026.
8. Proposed Minimum Wage 2026/27 (ExCo Memo 10/2026)
Executive Council approved the recommendation of the Employment Rights Committee for the Minimum Wage (MW) to be increased to £4.85 per hour (Option 3 in consultation materials). This option was considered the most balanced outcome following consultation with both employers and employees.
In this and previous consultations, there has been a message that increases to the minimum wage are needed to ensure that the lowest paying full-time job on St Helena is sufficient to achieve a socially acceptable standard of living. This is supported by the Minimum Income Standard (MIS), which has repeatedly found that the earnings required to sustain a socially acceptable standard of living exceed the current level of the minimum wage.
Members had a lengthy discussion covering the positive and negative impacts of raising the minimum wage with a focus on the range of businesses that are considered to be most impacted and the limit to the size of a wage increase a business can absorb.
Executive Council requested that the necessary notification to employers be issued by 1 April 2026, ahead of the increase taking effect on 1 July 2026.
9. Select Committees (Establishment) Order, 2026 (ExCo Memo 11/2026)
Executive Council deferred a decision on the draft Select Committees (Establishment) Order, 2026, pending further amendments to be made. As this is ongoing, the Select Committees (Establishment) Order, 2022 (as amended by the Select Committees (Establishment) (Amendment) Order 2022) is still in effect.
10. Customs Duty Changes 2026 – Diesel Exemption (ExCo Memo 12/2026)
Executive Council considered and gave approval for the Diesel Duty Exemption (as currently provided for in the Customs Duty (Diesel Fuel) Exemption Order 2025) to be further extended until 31 March 2028.
11. SHG Financial Statements, 2024/25 (ExCo Memo 13/2026)
Executive Council approved that the St Helena Government Entity Financial Statements for the 2024/25 financial year be signed off by the Financial Secretary, together with the Chief Auditor’s Management Letter, in order for the Audit Opinion to be issued. Council also agreed that the Financial Secretary should provide the required written representations to the Chief Auditor as set out in the Letter of Representation.
Executive Council noted that the Chief Auditor will issue a Qualified Opinion on the completed 2024/25 Financial Statements.
Thanks were recorded to the teams in SHG Treasury and Audit St Helena for their work in completing the financial statements. Special thanks were extended to the Chief Auditor, as this meeting marked his final attendance at Executive Council. Council wished him every success in his future endeavours.
12. Bank of St Helena (BOSH) Dividend, 2025 (ExCo Memo 14/2026)
Executive Council agreed to take a dividend from the 2024/25 profits of 10% of profit after tax as allowed for in the BOSH’s own dividend policy.
The Chief Minister thanked Ministers for their robust discussion on achieving the right balance between SHG’s rights as sole shareholder and responsible stewardship of the Bank.
13. Ministerial Updates on significant issues
Executive Council discussed updates on:
- The receipt of funds from the FCDO following an amendment to the 2025/6 budget to make provision of the purchase of the two Oshkosh fire tenders.
- Minister for Safety Security & Home Affairs advised of the visit of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA).
- Chief Minister confirmed she was meeting with Minister Stephen Doughty that afternoon. Key focal points for discussion include: progress on the budgetary aid settlement and capital programme budget, known as Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP), contingent liabilities and bank loan and pensions uplift for eligible pensioners.
#StHelena #ExCo #Toplines
Executive Council approved an uplift to the minimum wage at their meeting of 24 March 2026.
This change will take effect from 01 July 2026, and will raise the minimum wage as follows:
- for persons aged 18 yrs and over: from £4.50 to £4.85 per hour
- for persons aged 16 or 17 yrs: from £3.55 to £3.83 per hour
The approval of this increase supports the objective of establishing a more ambitious minimum wage which benefits workers while providing adequate time for businesses to plan and adapt.
In determining the increase, consideration was given to current cost of living pressures on both employees and employers. It was noted that a balance must be struck; the Minimum Wage Policy recognises there are limits to what businesses can absorb in a single year, while also acknowledging the need to continue raising minimum income levels on St Helena to help encourage residents to remain in employment on-island.
This year’s increase follows consultations with employers, employees, and other relevant stakeholders, including the Chamber of Commerce.
Since its inception in 2013, the minimum wage has risen:
- for persons aged 18 yrs and over: from £2.30 to £4.85
- for persons aged 16 or 17 yrs: from £1.45 to £3.83
#StHelena #ExCo #MinimumWage
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The St Helena Government (SHG) is pleased to announce that the “St Helena – A Breath of Fresh Air” destination logo has now been formally registered in the UK and locally.
The logo forms part of the Celebrating St Helena destination brand, managed by St Helena Government (SHG) and used by Tourism and Investment to share the island with the wider world. It expresses what makes St Helena distinctive as a place to live, learn, work, visit and invest.
The foundations of the brand are set out in the Celebrating St Helena booklet, which captures the community-defined identity of the island and the values that shape how St Helena is presented. The booklet can be viewed here:
https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/celebrating-st-helena-brand-booklet-2024-downsized/.
Registration means the logo is now legally protected. This helps ensure the brand is used consistently and with care, protecting the identity of St Helena, and helping build confidence among people discovering St Helena for the first time.
The updated version of the logo, which includes the ® symbol, will be introduced gradually across marketing materials. Digital platforms will be updated first, with printed materials transitioning over time as they are refreshed.
Over time, the registered version of the logo will be introduced through a structured licensing arrangement. This work also supports the development of brand accreditation pathways. These will recognise businesses and services that reflect the values and standards of the destination brand.
Existing informal use of the logo will continue while these frameworks are developed.
This milestone reflects a shared commitment to protecting and celebrating what makes St Helena special, so that the qualities valued today remain strong and recognisable for future generations.
Photo
#StHelena #RegisteredDestinationLogo
The Central Support Service Transport Section is keen to hear your views on the SHG operated Public Transport Service (PTS), which launched on 1 December 2024.
We are conducting a short survey to gather your feedback, assisting in future decision about the PTS, from timetables and journey frequency to fares and overall user experience.
The survey is anonymous, takes only a few minutes to complete, and is open to everyone whether you use the PTS regularly, occasionally, or not at all.
A survey form is available from the SHG website, the Customer Services Centre, Public Library, Tourist Office in Jamestown, PTS buses, and selected shops.
The survey is also available online via the link below: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PTSStHelena
Completed surveys can be left in the designated collection boxes at the Customer Services Centre, Public Library, Tourist Office, on PTS buses, and in participating shops.
The survey closes on 24 April 2026, so don’t miss your chance to have your say. Your views will make a real difference.
QR Code
#StHelena #PublicTransportService #Survey
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An open session of Executive Council in Planning (ECiP) was held on Tuesday, 17 March 2026 in the Council Chamber.
The agenda for the meeting was as follows:
The Chief Planning Officer (CPO), Patricia Coyle, was in attendance along with members of the public.
All applications considered at the meeting were being referred to Governor in Council in accordance with the Direction issued on 14 June 2022 under section 23(1) of the Land Development Control Ordinance 2013 which requires the referral of applications for development of land (excluding street furniture installations, signage, gates, solar panels, safety equipment, alterations to existing windows and alterations to existing doors) within fifty metres of the sea.
At the meeting:
For each of the three applications listed below, Minister Karl Thrower set out the context before handing over to the CPO to describe the applications and recommendations as outlined in the published documentation.
HE The Governor then followed by opening the floor for questions and discussion which centred on the recommended conditions.
Development Application – Retention of a Covered Area at the Mule Yard, Jamestown (ECIP Memo 01/2026)
Governor in Council was asked to consider and advise whether Full Development Permission should be granted, with Conditions, as recommended for the Retention of a Covered Area at The Mule Yard, Jamestown.
This was a retrospective application seeking to retain the already erected roof that covers an extended area at the front of The Mule Yard bar.
Following deliberation, ECiP approved the development application, with conditions in line with the Land Development Control Authority (LCDA) and CPO recommendations. The approval is for two years from the date of approval. The reason for this is that the Applicant has a short-term lease of the property and if permanent, this could prejudice future changes of lease holding and plans to improve the Wharf and seaside. . It was noted that the Applicant is required to paint the roof of the covered area and upstand between it and the band stand dark slate grey to match the existing roof colour of the bar.
Development Application – Installation of Fence at St Helena Coffee Shop, Jamestown (ECIP Memo 02/2026)
Governor in Council was asked to consider and advise whether Full Development Permission should be refused with reasons, as recommended for the Installation of the Fence at the St Helena Coffee Shop.
In terms of planning history, a retrospective application for the fence was refused by the LDCA on 6 June 2024, a decision subsequently upheld by Governor in Council on 23 July 2024. The Applicant later appealed, and the Land Development Appeals Tribunal (LDAT) heard the case on 7 July 2025, ultimately upholding the earlier refusals. This new proposal was submitted in response to the Tribunal’s ruling.
This application generated much discussion and debate amongst members.
Members acknowledged the need for improved security by the business to address antisocial behaviour experienced prior to the erection of the fence and the potential impact on the business owner of not having the fence, noting that the enforcement notice for the removal of the unauthorised picket fence is due to come into force in three months. However, they also recognised that substantial time and support had been provided to the Applicant to identify more suitable alternatives that aligned with the historical setting of the Grade I historical setting.
ECiP agreed with the recommendation of the Land Development Control Authority (LCDA) and Chief Planning Officer (CPO) recommendation that Full Development Permission be refused.
Development Application – Installation of Security Fencing and Crash Barrier at Wastewater Treatment Plant, Ruperts Valley (ECIP Memo 03/2026)
Governor in Council was asked to consider and advise whether Full Development Permission should be approved with conditions, as recommended for the installation of fencing and crash barrier at the Rupert’s Wastewater Treatment Plant.
ECiP welcomed the move to preserve the historical aspects of the surrounding area in the vicinity of Plant, in what is also an area of multiple uses, i.e. it is popular recreational area, as well as having industrial/business uses. They noted that the design of the fences was similar with other fencing in the area and that the crash barriers would be erected in liaison with the Highways Authority.
Following deliberation, ECiP unanimously approved the development application in line with Land Development Control Authority (LCDA) and CPO’s recommendations.
Documentation for the meeting is available via the SHG website http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/government/legislative-council/executive-council/
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SHG
23 March 2026
At today’s sitting of the Legislative Council, the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill 2026, brought forward by the Chief Minister, was not passed.
Ministers today expressed disappointment that Elected Members did not pass the Income Tax Amendment Bill 2026, legislation that would have delivered the first uplift to the personal tax‑free allowance in 14 years.
Ministers recognise that many individuals and families across the island continue to face real financial pressures, particularly those on lower incomes who are most affected by rising living costs.
Ministers remain firmly committed to putting money back into people’s pockets and helping households manage the rising cost of living. The proposed amendment sought to provide immediate relief through an inflationary increase to the personal allowance, recognising the limited timeframe available for changes that must be in place for 1 April. Tax adjustments cannot be made mid‑year, and therefore the proposal represented the best possible route to offering short‑term support to the public.
At the meeting the Chief Minister highlighted that the window for implementing any changes to the tax system was exceptionally narrow. Despite these constraints, the proposal aimed to deliver a realistic and immediate benefit to taxpayers.
The Chief Minister spoke to the debate and said:
“This government wants to increase the personal allowance to £7,500. Believe me, when I say that I would have loved to be able to do that this year. But it was just not affordable. Over 20 different options were explored, but in reality, there was not enough time to be able to have a sufficiently robust assessment of the impacts of more complex options, like introducing a new tax band, or changing the higher rate of tax.”
Ministers acknowledge that there are differing views on how best to provide support and respects the role of Elected Members in this process. However, the outcome means that this opportunity to protect the real value of the tax-free allowance will not be realised this year.
Ministers remain focused on supporting residents and will continue seeking responsible and sustainable ways to ease financial pressures on households.
#StHelena #IncomeTaxAmendmentBill2026
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A Walk-Through History
For an island so small and remote, St Helena has played host to a remarkably large number of influential figures throughout its history. Some visitors are remembered for their positive contributions to the world, while others are perhaps more infamous than famous.
As part of the UK Government funded Tourism Development Programme, an interpretative art installation titled A Walk Through History has been installed to showcase some of the island’s notable visitors. The installation features an initial 28 plaques commemorating internationally significant figures who have visited St Helena since its discovery.
Set along one of Jamestown’s most historic areas, the walk presents St Helena’s rich and varied past in chronological order, allowing visitors to experience its story as they move through the space.
To complement the plaques, and to encourage a relaxing feel, the area has been beautified with trellised seating and planters.
Location and Site Description
The Castle Terrace wall in Jamestown has been identified as the ideal setting for the installation. This important heritage structure has been underutilised in recent years and, at times, affected by antisocial behaviour, particularly at night.
By introducing a prominent visitor attraction, the project aims to increase positive foot traffic and encourage greater use of the area. Enhanced lighting will further improve safety and security.
The Walk also strengthens links between key nearby attractions, improving access from the Wharf to Castle Gardens and surrounding businesses. The site is sheltered from extreme weather, pedestrian-friendly, and restricted to emergency and maintenance vehicles only.
Importantly, there are no entrance barriers, allowing both residents and visitors to enjoy the installation at any time.
The Dolphin Stone
Beautification efforts extend beyond the Terrace. Near the Castle arch lies the Dolphin Stone Garden, a small but historically significant space that is often over-looked.
Recent improvements have gently enhanced the garden, drawing attention to the remarkable story of the Dolphin Stone itself. At the centre is a stone inscribed in 1645 by the crew of the British ship Dolphin during their voyage to Europe. At that time, St Helena served as a mid-Atlantic crossroads for ships of all nations.
Long before the first official Post Office in 1815, this stone acted as a simple but effective postal exchange. Sailors would leave letters beneath it or at the island chapel, trusting that other vessels would collect and deliver them to their final destination.
To further highlight this unique feature, a discreet spotlight will be installed, allowing the historic inscription to be clearly seen and appreciate after dark.
While the garden is small, it is a meaningful place of connection that represents the island’s global maritime past. It enhancement reflects the importance of preserving St Helena’s heritage, ensuring that these stories are not lost over time. By continuing to care for and thoughtfully develop such sites, renewed awareness and appreciation of the island’s history can be fostered.
Repainting of the Church Lane Arch
The repainting of the Church Lane Arch forms part of ongoing efforts to enhance the visual character of Jamestown while celebrating its historic layout. Leading into Church Lane, a traditional rear access route behind St James’ Church, the arch marks an area that once played an important role in the town’s day-to-day life. Enhancements like this help present Jamestown as a place that values both its heritage and its appearance, creating a more inviting and visually appealing environment.
St Helena Tourism is confident that the community will take pride in and help protect these shared spaces for everyone to enjoy.
Photos
Newly installed benches and interpretative art installation at the Castle Terrace wall in Jamestown
The Dolphin Stone
#StHelena #AWalkThroughHistory #Installation
HE Governor Nigel Phillips CBE has today announced, on behalf of Executive Council, an independent investigation into the causes of the St Helena Airport closure to commercial air services between 5 and 17 February 2026.
Intended to establish the root cause and learn lessons to prevent future recurrence, a selection exercise will be taken forward to identify a suitable, independent contractor to undertake the investigation. This will also determine the cost of the investigation. The contracting will be taken forward by St Helena Government.
The investigation will focus on understanding why all three fire tenders developed similar faults within a matter of weeks of each other. It is for investigators to decide who they wish to talk to and what they wish to examine but it is likely that they will want to review commissioning, usage, servicing and maintenance, consumables and other areas to build a comprehensive understanding.
It is important that we keep the scope proportionate and relevant, with a view to learning lessons before the delivery and commissioning of our new airport fire tenders, later in the year.
We are grateful to St Helena Airport Limited and other partners for their co-operation in this matter.
Once complete, we will consider the findings of the investigation before deciding if further work is necessary. A summary of the findings will be made public, ensuring transparency.
A further update will be issued once an investigator has been appointed and the timescales for reporting better understood.
An Executive Council in Planning Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 17 March 2026 at 11:00 in the Council Chamber, The Castle.
The agenda includes the following Development Applications for consideration:
Development Application – Retention of a covered area at the Mule Yard Jamestown (ECIP Memo 01/2026)
Publicity/Briefings to the Press
Development Application – Installation of Fence at St Helena Coffee Shop, Jamestown (ECIP Memo 02/2026)
Publicity/Briefings to the Press
Development Application – Installation of Security Fencing and Crash Barrier at Wastewater Treatment Plant, Ruperts Valley (ECIP Memo 03/2026)
4.1 Publicity/Briefings to the Press
Documentation for this meeting is available on the Executive Council page of the St Helena Government website via: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/st-helena/government/executive-council/
Members of the public who would like to view hard copies of the documents should contact the Secretary to Executive Council, Natasha Bargo, at the Castle on 22470 or via email at natasha.bargo@sainthelena.gov.sh.
Executive Council sitting as the Planning Authority comprises Governor Nigel Phillips as Chair, Chief Minister, Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks and Ministers Gillian Brooks, Martin Henry, Andrew Turner and Karl Thrower. The Attorney General is a non-voting member of Executive Council.
#StHelena #ExecutiveCouncil #PlanningProposals
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SHG
16 March 2026
For the first time in 14 years, the Government is proposing an increase to the Personal Tax-Free Allowance (PTFA). Since its introduction in 2012, the allowance has remained frozen at £7,000, even as the cost of living has steadily risen year on year. When tax allowances stay frozen while prices increase, your spending power is eroded.
Our policy intention is to limit the impact of cost-of-living increases. We know this change is not as much as many people had hoped for.
How We Got to £7,150
Inflation in the last quarter of 2025 was 2.2%. To prevent further erosion of living standards, the Government has proposed raising the PTFA from £7,000 to £7,150; a modest but meaningful increase aligned with inflation. This uplift is not a short-term “perk”; it is a correction to ensure the real value of the tax allowance is maintained. It also signals a significant shift in approach: instead of allowing thresholds to stagnate for a decade.
Why Not £7,500 or £10,000?
Government explored more than 20 models, including increases to £7,500 and £10,000. But choices must be affordable.
Financial impacts in 2026/27:
- £7,000 → £7,150: £90,000
- £7,000 → £7,500: £290,000
- £7,000 → £10,000: £1,530,000
Increasing to £7,500 immediately would require cutting essential services like public transport or abandoning new initiatives like the planned child benefit scheme.
Increasing to £10,000 would be unaffordable without significant reductions to frontline services, something this Government refuses to do.
Why £7,150 is the Responsible Choice?
The proposed increase:
- protects households against inflation
- is affordable without cuts to health, education or social support
- sets the foundation for annual adjustments, not once-a-decade jumps
- allows Government to proceed with wider reforms supporting working families
This is part of a balanced cost-of-living package, not a one-off measure.
How the Personal Allowance Fits with Other Measures
Government is developing multiple measures designed to support those most affected by rising costs of which the tax-free allowance increase is a small part.
1. Personal Tax-Free Allowance Increase
Keeps more income in the pockets of working people, particularly those on low or middle wages.
2. Proposed Minimum Wage Increase
Minimum wage has been reviewed for 2026. The Employment Rights Committee recommendation is a rise of 35p per hour, bringing the minimum wage to £4.85. This delivers immediate, direct benefits as listed in the table below:
| Scenario | Benefit |
| Adult on minimum wage (40 hrs/week) | £577.72 |
| 2 adults on minimum wage | £1,155.44 |
| Part-time worker (20 hrs/week) | £364 |
These increases alone will meaningfully improve disposable income for the lowest‑paid.
3. Child Benefit Scheme
Government is working on the introduction of a Child Credit / Child Benefit Scheme during the next financial year. While figures cannot yet be published, the intention is to provide substantial, recurring support for young families.
This is key to Government’s wider demographic strategy: Supporting young families today strengthens St Helena’s future tomorrow.
4. Will the workload to do this cost more than the increase?
No. The proposed uplift is a simple numerical change, not a restructure of the tax system. It is intentionally modest to avoid additional administrative complexity or staffing demands within both the public and private sector.
5. Why This Matters for St Helena’s Future?
This is about more than tax thresholds. It is about:
- making sure work pays
- giving families breathing room
- keeping young people on island
- addressing St Helena’s ageing demographic
- strengthening the workforce of the future
By protecting income, supporting families and ensuring stable public finances, Government is building a fairer and more sustainable St Helena.
This package is designed for:
- working people
- young families
- low-income earners
- those struggling with rising prices
#StHelena #IncomeTax
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