Premier announces record $559M budget for 2027

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has proposed a $559. 1 million budget for 2027, with the largest ministry allocation going to communications and works. Presenting the budget address in the House of Assembly on Tuesday, Dr Wheatley said the proposal included $460. 4 million for recurrent expenditure, $81. 1 million for capital expenditure and $9. 6 million for principal debt repayments. The government expects to finance the budget through projected revenue of $457. 8 million, loan financing of $47. 3 million and $54 million from existing fund balances. Dr Wheatley described the proposal as the largest budget presented to the House. The figures remain subject to final approval of the Appropriation Act.

“Our resources cannot fund every request, so we weighed allocations against the priorities of the National Sustainable Development Plan and the difference they should make to people’s lives,” the Premier said. The Ministry of Communications and Works is set to receive $96. 5 million, followed by Health and Social Development with $87. 1 million and Education, Youth Affairs and Sports with $79. 7 million. Other proposed allocations include: • Governor’s group, including the Office of the Deputy Governor: $68. 5 million • Ministry of Finance: $46. 4 million • Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation: $25. 2 million • Premier’s Office: $23. 1 million • Constitutionally established departments: $20. 8 million • Tourism, Culture and…