Government spend on consultants and steps to reduce costs
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2026.03.24
3.4 Deputy M.B. Andrews of St Helier North of the Chief Minister regarding spending on
consultants (OQ.42/2026):
Will the Chief Minister state how much the Government has spent on consultants during this political term, and advise what steps the Government has taken to reduce spending on consultants across the public sector?
Deputy L.J. Farnham of St. Mary , St. Ouen and St. Peter (The Chief Minister):
As reported in the Annual Report and Accounts, consultancy and temporary staffing spending dropped by £29 million in 2024 compared to 2023. The figures for 2025 will be published as part of the Government's report on the use of consultants and contingent labour and will be published before the pre-election period on 20th April. I think I should point out that the figures are subject to rigorous review, and that must be undertaken before publication. Once those figures have been reviewed and agreed, I will be able to provide the figure.
- Deputy M.B. Andrews :
The C. and A.G. (Comptroller and Auditor General) mentioned the importance of the Government improving its internal processes to make sure that we utilise the people within the public sector before we utilise consultants. I want to know whether steps have been taken to address this area, and if so, how has the Chief Minister gone about it?
Deputy L.J. Farnham :
The short answer to that is yes. Controls on consultancy and spending were introduced in June 2024 for the chief officer and chief executive to approve. That included agency contracts in excess of 12 months, consultants, contingent labour, which includes interims, personal contract holders that are employed on day rates and other similar professional services. There has been a noticeable shift from use of off-Island project managers and temporary executive level to more on-Island temporary staff. The current policy is to utilise and transfer staff internally and to use local staff and consultants.
- Deputy K.M. Wilson of St. Clement :
Could the Chief Minister clarify what proportion of the consultancy spend is directed towards strategic policy advice versus operational delivery?
Deputy L.J. Farnham :
Not off the top of my head. I would need some time to get those figures.
- Deputy K.M. Wilson :
I take from that comment that the Chief Minister will be happy to provide that data when he has it. Deputy L.J. Farnham :
I would be grateful if the Deputy could put in writing her exact question, and we will provide a prompt response.