Deficit to £247 million in 2026
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WQ.109/2026
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CHIEF MINISTER BY DEPUTY M.B. ANDREWS OF ST HELIER NORTH QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 13th APRIL 2026 ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 20th APRIL 2026
Question
"Further to the statement in Jersey's Fiscal Policy Panel - Annual Report 2025, regarding the increase in overall deficit to £247 million in 2026, will the Chief Minister explain this increase given the Government's stated intention to curb public sector growth?"
Answer
The Budget 2026, approved by the States Assembly indicated Net Operating Surplus of £61 million in 2026, or an operating deficit of £12 million after taking into account depreciation. Surpluses are then forecast to increase throughout the plan.
Performance in 2025 was slightly better than forecast, with the Annual Report and Accounts for 2025, published last Friday 17th April, demonstrating the ongoing strength of the Island's finances. The actions already taken to curb the growth of the public service are beginning to deliver and must remain a priority for the next government.
The FPP use a completely different measure for economic purposes that takes into account all expenditure, both capital and revenue. This includes capital expenditure funded through borrowing rather than revenues – most notably the New Healthcare Facilities (hospital) which is the largest capital project ever undertaken by the Government. This accounts for the increased figure.