Scrutiny to review this Government's last Budget 2026-29
Scrutiny
24 September 2025
The States Assembly’s Scrutiny Panels have launched their reviews of the Government’s proposed Budget for 2026-29. It will be the last in this political term ahead of the June 2026 elections.The Budget (previously known as the Government Plan) sets out the Council of Minister’s spending and savings proposals for the next four years. Scrutiny acts as a critical friend examining the Government’s plans and holding Ministers to account.
Scrutiny’s reviews of the proposed Budget seek to examine:
- Whether the Proposed Budget meets the requirements of the Public Finances (Jersey) Law 2019, is fiscally sound and economically sustainable.
- The impact of the Proposed Budget proposals on departmental budgets and staffing levels.
- Whether the Proposed Budget aligns with the objectives of the Common Strategic Policy to deliver on the priorities and aligns with Departments’ Business Plans.
- Whether the proposed Revenue Expenditure Growth and Projects are appropriate and deliverable within the timeframes specified.
- Whether the resources allocated to Revenue Expenditure Growth and Projects are sufficient and demonstrate the best use of public funds.
- Whether the proposals for the use of States Funds are appropriate and in line with policy and the needs of the Island in the current economic climate.
- Whether the levels of public debt set out in the Proposed Budget are proportionate and managed in line with established best practice.
The Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel (CSSP) is taking the lead in the Review and will report Scrutiny’s overarching recommendations back to the States Assembly. The Scrutiny Panels for Children, Education and Home Affairs, Economic and International Affairs, Environment, Housing and Infrastructure, and Health and Social Security, will each be reviewing the areas of the proposed Budget that are specific to their remits and may also hold Public Hearings and then present comments, reports, or lodge amendments.
Deputy Helen Miles, Chair of the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel, commented:
‘We are particularly interested in the impact of the various funding mechanisms that have been put forward in the Budget. While the Chief Minister is presenting his plans with a commitment to think longer term, and the Panel support this view, we need to look at how these significant investment proposals along with greater spending on health and education, are going to be funded; and what impact that will have on future generations. As part of our evidence gathering we will be seeking views from the Jersey Youth Assembly, as well as looking at the Budget to see if it is gender-responsive: a Budget that works for everyone.’
As part of Scrutiny’s Review, Panel members will be holding Pop-up events. Members of the public are also invited to email [email protected] or to contact a specific Panel directly. Public Hearings with Ministers will also take place over the coming weeks to directly question them with regard to departmental budget plans.
CSSP Review
8 October 12.30pm-2pm: Pop-up at Trenton Square.
9 October 12.30pm-2pm: Pop-up at Co-op St Peter’s.
10 October 10am-12pm: Public Hearing with the Chief Minister, Deputy Lyndon Farnham
24 October 10am-12pm: Public Hearing with the Treasury Minister, Deputy Elaine Millar.
The proposed Budget 2026-29 debate is due to take place in the States Assembly from Tuesday 9th December 2025 at 9:30am.
Read more about the Corporate Services Panel Review into the proposed budget, or contact: [email protected]
