Ministers have been criticised by the public spending watchdog for failing to introduce a formal programme of efficiency savings – despite growing financial pressures and repeated warnings about the sustainability of public finances.
The Comptroller and Auditor General’s latest Annual Report of Findings reveals that, while measures such as a recruitment freeze and cuts to consultant spending have been introduced, the government has “not implemented formal efficiency savings programmes”.
Lynn Pamment’s report highlights that “the growth in revenue expenditure has exceeded the growth in income and has resulted in cumulative overall deficits”.
She urged Ministers and officers to “plan and implement formal efficiency savings programmes and disciplines for 2026 and beyond”.
The report suggests that, without such a structured approach, the government risks continuing to rely on short-term measures rather than addressing underlying inefficiencies in public spending.
Alongside financial pressures, the report identifies a series of unresolved risks in critical areas of public services.
Among the most concerning is the island’s preparedness for major disruption.
Weaknesses in critical infrastructure resilience remain outstanding, including the need to agree on a definition of what constitutes critical infrastructure, improve emergency planning and strengthen risk management arrangements.
These issues form part of a wider list of key areas “yet to be actioned”, which also includes weaknesses in project management, governance and decision-making across government.
Health is also highlighted as an area of ongoing concern. The report pointed to continued problems with financial management in the department, including the need to update its Financial Recovery Plan to address identified weaknesses.
More broadly, the auditor warns that recommendations designed to improve public services are not always being implemented quickly enough.
While progress has been made in some areas, she states that “there is scope to ensure that action is taken on a more timely basis to implement the recommendations in full”.
Ms Pamment added: “This publication comes at the end of the Jersey Audit Office’s 20th Anniversary programme, celebrating two decades of independent public audit. I am also pleased to announce a move to new premises in Jubilee Wharf from April 2026.
“My recommendations are made to improve corporate governance, value for money, financial management and internal control. When recommendations are implemented, benefits are delivered and risks are reduced.”