Four government departments projecting overspends

Government releases accounts after first three months of financial year

Four government departments are projecting overspends after the first quarter of the current financial year.

The details have been revealed in government's quarterly management accounts, published by Treasury this morning.

The Department of Health and Social Care was £2.7 million over its budget in the first three months of the 2025-26 financial period, and is forecasting a £7.3 million deficit for the year.

Treasury says the figure is largely driven by the cost of delivering Manx Care's mandate, which is forecast to be a net £7.7 million over budget when internal fund claims are taken into account.

Manx Care is also forecasting an adverse variance on its operation spending of £5 million for the full year.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture is projected to be £172,000 over budget, driven by the need for agency staff in planning and building control, while the need for forensic services that were not predicted has left the Department of Home Affairs looking at a £0.9million overspend.

Pay awards and additional staffing requirements for children who need lessons in Specialist Provision Centres mean the Department of Education, Sport and Culture is facing a £3.2 million excess on employment costs, but Treasury believes the department can come in on budget if savings are delivered elsewhere.

Treasury revenue from April to the end of June was higher than expected, with an additional £10.2 million in tax received, but income at customs and from other sources was lower than budgeted.

The current total value of the Island's reserves is £1.96 billion.

Government says it will publish an update setting out progress on its £50 million efficiencies programme on Wednesday (17 September).

Treasury Minister Alex Allinson spoke live on Manx Radio Breakfast: