Government spending in Jersey is categorised using the internationally recognised Classification of the Functions of Government (COFOG) system. This approach groups spending by its purpose, such as healthcare, education, or public services, rather than by the department that spent it.
The term general government includes all public sector spending at different levels. In Jersey, this covers spending by government departments, non-ministerial bodies, States funds, Andium Homes Limited, and the 12 parishes. This ensures comparability with international government finance statistics.
Overall spending
In 2023, total government spending in Jersey was £1.64 billion, an increase of 6.3% in real terms compared to 2022.
The rise in spending was mainly due to real-term spending increases in:
- healthcare: up by £51.6 million
- public order and safety: up by £14.9 million
- social protection: up by £14.5 million
Spending by COFOG division, 2022 and 2023 (£m)
| COFOG division | 2022 | 2023 | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| General public services | 165.0 | 164.1 | -0.6% |
| Defence | 1.7 | 1.4 | -16.4% |
| Public order and safety | 88.2 | 103.1 | 16.9% |
| Economics | 68.3 | 74.4 | 9.0% |
| Environmental protection | 48.0 | 52.1 | 8.6% |
| Housing and community amenities | 9.3 | 9.0 | -3.3% |
| Health | 432.5 | 484.1 | 11.9% |
| Recreation, culture and religion | 40.3 | 37.1 | -8.0% |
| Education | 187.3 | 198.7 | 6.1% |
| Social protection | 505.7 | 520.2 | 2.9% |
| Total | 1,546.3 | 1,644.2 | 6.3% |
Spending by function
Almost three-quarters (73%) of all general government expenditure is in three main areas:
- social protection – including the Jersey old age pension, income support and incapacity allowances
- health – including spending on hospital services, public health and other medical services
- education – spending on primary, secondary and tertiary education
General government expenditure by COFOG division, 2023
Data sources and methods
The data is collated by Revenue Jersey. Statistics Jersey verifies the results and produces summary statistics, including comparisons with other countries.
For certain centralised expenditures that need to be allocated across departments, this is typically done based on staff headcounts.
Find data and past reports
Find past reports on our release calendar.
You can find public spending data on the open data website.