Jersey’s government has agreed to reverse a proposed reduction in funding for the environment department after accepting an amendment backed by States Assembly members.

Under the original 2026–2029 budget proposal, the department was set to receive £11.1m next year, £600,000 less than its current allocation. The Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel had called for funding to remain at £11.7m, warning that the cut would affect the department’s ability to carry out its duties.

Although Environment Minister Steve Luce previously said the reduction would “severely undermine service delivery,” he initially accepted the cut, citing pressure to prioritise funding for health and other departments.

However, following further discussions, Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham announced that the government would support an amendment restoring the department’s funding to existing levels. The amendment was approved by a decisive 44–1 vote in the States Assembly.

The government now plans to bring forward a further budget amendment outlining how the funding will be maintained. Farnham said treasury officials had been asked to identify savings elsewhere, including reviewing growth bids and distributing the cost across departments.

Deputy Hilary Jeune, chair of the scrutiny panel, argued that reducing the budget would weaken both the department and the island’s overall wellbeing. She emphasised that the amendment does not expand the public sector but ensures the department can meet statutory obligations set by the assembly.

An earlier proposal to use money from the Strategic Reserve to cover the shortfall was withdrawn. After that change, the government confirmed its support for the amendment.

Farnham said the financial impact would be manageable, adding that the government was “pleased to support” the move.