Budget for 2026 to 2029 approved in Jersey

Politicians in Jersey have voted to approve the budget for 2026-2029.

Ten States members voted against it and 29 voted for it.

The government said it would spend an extra £60m on health compared to last year, raise the income tax threshold, and fund 15 hours of free nursery care a week for two to three year olds.

Spending plans faced opposition from politicians calling it a budget of short-term fixes.

In the budget it said: "Whilst the revenue growth provided in this budget, coupled with the Health and Care Jersey Financial Recovery Plan, will help address immediate pressures on the Health and Care budget for 2026, there remains a growing future funding gap."

It said additional funding would be required over the coming years to maintain Jersey's health services.

Plans to charge patients for using Jersey's A&E department for non-urgent treatment have been put on hold after an amendment was brought forward by the Health and Social Scrutiny Panel.

An amendment by the environment scrutiny panel saw the government reverse its decision to cut the Environment department's budget.

An amendment also led to a boost for the policing budget.

In addition parents in Jersey will have to pay upfront for planned free nursery care and be reimbursed later, after a budget amendment was rejected.

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