THE Falkland Islands Government Executive Council met on February 24. The meeting was attended by MLAs Cheryl Roberts, Lewis Clifton and Jack Ford. A number of policy and governance matters were considered.
FIMCo Overdraft Guarantee Renewed
Executive Council approved the renewal of a government-backed guarantee supporting Falkland Islands Meat Company’s £1.5 million overdraft facility with Standard Chartered Bank.
FIMCo was established to help diversify Falklands agriculture and create additional revenue streams for farmers. Since its formation, however, the company has relied on government subventions to operate and does not hold sufficient reserves to meet its working capital needs.
The overdraft facility is guaranteed by the Falkland Islands Development Corporation (FIDC), FIMCo’s shareholder, and must be renewed annually. Renewal also requires consent from the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.
ExCo approved FIDC renewing the guarantee.
FIDC Annual Report and Accounts
Executive Council received the audited accounts and annual report for FIDC for the year ending June 30 2025.
During the 2024/25 financial year, FIDC lent approximately £2.6 million, more than in any previous single financial year. This increase was supported by an additional £600,000 provided by the Falkland Islands Government during the year.
In accordance with legislation, the accounts will be tabled at the next sitting of the Legislative Assembly. ExCo noted the report.
Environmental Impact Offsetting Trust Bill
Executive Council approved the Offshore Petroleum (Environmental Impact Offsetting Trust) Bill 2026 for introduction to the Legislative Assembly.
The proposed legislation would establish an Environmental Impact Offsetting Trust to manage environmental offsetting required from offshore petroleum licence holders under the Offshore Minerals Ordinance 1994.
The Trust would receive payments from licence holders and distribute grant funding to projects delivering environmental benefits. Eligible areas would include:
- Wildlife conservation
- Habitat and ecosystem protection
- Land restoration
- Biodiversity improvement
- Strengthening ecosystem resilience
- Climate change mitigation and greenhouse gas reduction
- Climate change adaptation
The Trust would be overseen by a board comprising an independent chair and members appointed by the Governor following nominations from FIG and contributing licence holders.
The Bill will now be published in the Gazette for its first reading. Public feedback has been invited ahead of the second reading in April.
SEND and EAL Support Thresholds Maintained
Executive Council reviewed the Educational Needs Assessment threshold relating to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and English as an Additional Language (EAL).
Currently, 25.1% of pupils in Falkland Islands schools (130 children) are identified as having SEND, compared with 19.5% in England. A further 13% of pupils (67 children) speak English as an Additional Language.
To support these pupils, Falkland Islands Schools employ 41.5 established staff dedicated to SEND and EAL provision, representing around 40% of school staffing. All current posts are fully utilised.
In March 2025, ExCo set the threshold for educational support costs constituting a “substantial charge on public funds” at: - £0 for new Accompanying Dependent and Dependent permit applications
- £6,000 per year for Permanent Residence Permit applications
Following the required 12-month review, ExCo approved maintaining these thresholds. An annual review will now be undertaken by the Education Board and reported to Executive Council.
Oil Spill Contingency Plan Updated
Executive Council approved amendments to the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan.
The Plan sets out the national strategy and response arrangements for oil spills in Falklands waters and forms part of the wider Major Incident Plan. Updates reflect current marine activity and follow both: - A Maritime and Coastguard Agency counter-pollution exercise held in September 2025
- The five-year review required under the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation
Elements of the Terrestrial Oil Spill Response Plan have also been incorporated into the national framework.
Legislative Programme Mid-Year Report
Executive Council considered the mid-year update on the 2025/26 legislative drafting programme.
Of 27 projects in the programme, 12 are completed or on track. Six larger projects have experienced significant delays. The Assembly is currently developing a new Islands Plan, which will include reviewing and reprioritising existing workstreams.
ExCo noted the report.
Land Licence Applications
Executive Council considered three closed papers relating to applications for licences to hold land.
Clerk of the Councils’ Report
Between October 1 and December 31 2025: - 13 Committees met
- 13 sets of minutes were lodged and are available for inspection
- 23 decisions were made under Section 66(2) of the Constitution without reference to Executive Council
ExCo noted the report.
Actuarial Reviews
Executive Council also received actuarial reviews for 2024 covering the Retirement Pensions Equalisation Fund and the Pensions (Old Scheme) Fund.
