Economist Urges Merging Public Services to Cut Costs
- markdarrenwilkinso
- Jul 25
- 1 min read
Islands Urged to Unite Public Services to Cut Costs
An economist has suggested that Jersey and Guernsey should consider merging elements of their public services to save money and improve efficiency.
Chris Brock, principal advisor at research firm Islefact, said the Channel Islands spend around £2 billion a year on public services. He highlighted healthcare, education and administration as key areas where closer collaboration could lead to savings.
“With shared challenges like ageing populations and labour shortages, it's a good time to ask where efficiencies can be made,” he said. Around 30% of the combined public spending goes to healthcare, and 20% to administration.
Dr Melissa McCullough, Pan-Island Commissioner for Standards, supported the idea of cooperation but stressed that it must be based on “equal partnership” and mutual respect.
Wayne Bates of the NASUWT teachers’ union also welcomed school cooperation, saying it could improve education and benefit both islands’ economies.
