Jersey Care Inquiry to cost £23m

The Jersey Care Inquiry has partly focused on allegations of abuse at the Haut de la Garenne children's home in the 1960s

An inquiry into historical child abuse in Jersey's care system will spend the full £23m set aside for the work, including contingency funds.

Inquiry Chairwoman Francis Oldham QC asked for the £1.58m due to a number of unavoidable matters.

These included calling more witnesses, a significant document disclosure and preparation time.

Chief Minister Senator Ian Gorst said the inquiry would be keeping the government informed of what it spends.

He told the States: "These unavoidable matters have knock-on associated costs for States Departments in potential legal costs.

"This means the total spending forecast for the Inquiry will use the full budget and contingency."

The inquiry is expected to report by the end of December 2016.

Launched in July 2014, it is investigating claims of child abuse in Jersey's care system dating back to 1945.