As an aside, how often does QP "review" its allowance paid for accommodation? Is this done annual or only when sufficient ex-pats windge? Only asking.
QP tend to do leave things like this until it's critical. Pay scales, housing allowance etc. There was a time when housing was provided for all except SLS (Service Level Staff) although the option of taking a housing allowance was also available. Electricity and water were also provided free to SS. The free E&W was discontinued when the oil price dropped in 1986. Needless to say it never returned when the oil price rose again. Otherterms and conditions were also significantly reduced in 1986.
In 1996/7 the "powers that be" decided that only housing allowances would be paid. This in fact pleased many "mainly asian" staff who were prepared to lower their housing standards and subsequently bank the difference between allowance and rent.
The folly of this decision has continued to cause grief in QP and will continue to do so until they again provide housing or alternatively decide to share their recent increased wealth with those who earn it for them.
This is a personal view only.