Jersey government departments underspend by £27m

Senator Philip Ozouf said the money would create jobs and help the economy

Government departments have underspent budgets by £27.6m, according to Jersey's Treasury Minister.

Senator Philip Ozouf said careful spending last year meant there was money left over for other projects.

He said last year saw the end of the comprehensive spending review, the States plan to get Jersey through the difficult economic climate.

However Senator Sarah Ferguson is concerned the cost of the public sector was growing and had not been reformed.

She said she was also concerned taxes could rise if the situation was not dealt with soon.

Senator Sarah Ferguson said the cost of the public sector was growing and had not been reformed

'Help the economy'

The comprehensive spending review saw government departments set tough targets by the treasury department to cut public spending.

Senator Ozouf said the millions of pounds saved by government departments will be used for projects which create jobs and help the economy.

He said of the £27.6m, £5.5m will be kept in case of future problems or emergencies, but the rest, (£22.1m) will be put back into projects.

Among the amounts being requested for funding is £1.6m to help unemployed people get back to work, £1.2m for asbestos disposal, and £75,000 for the Jersey Rugby Club.

Senator Ozouf said he was encouraged by the high level of the underspends.

He said: "All of the departments have had to justify where these carry forward funds would be most needed.

"I am hopeful these recommendations will be quickly deployed so we can improve our services, help people get back into work, promote Jersey and at the same time get more money into the economy."