Public Feedback Open On Pre-Budget Report
The Ministry of Finance is reminding the public that the deadline to submit feedback on the 2026/27 Pre-Budget Report is Friday, January 16th.
A Government spokesperson said, “The Ministry of Finance is reminding the public, businesses, and all stakeholders to provide feedback on the 2026/27 Pre-Budget Report. The public consultation period will officially close this Friday, January 16, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Submissions can be made directly via forum.gov.bm or email openbudget@gov.bm.
“The Pre-Budget Report outlines the Government’s proposed fiscal strategy ahead of the upcoming Budget Statement on February 20, 2026. Key focuses include the responsible management of new Corporate Income Tax revenues to reduce public debt, provide cost-of-living relief, and invest in essential social services.”
“Consultation is vital, and the input we’ve received so far has been invaluable,” said Premier and Minister of Finance, David Burt. “Community engagement is essential to shaping the final Budget, and the voices of the public and our stakeholders guide the decisions we make, ensuring that the progress we deliver reflects the real needs of the people of Bermuda.
“I encourage everyone to read the report, ask questions, and send feedback and suggestions either online at forum.gov.bm or email openbudget@gov.bm before January 16, 2026. A Government spokesperson added, “The full 2026/27 Pre-Budget Report can be viewed online at the official Government of Bermuda website at www.gov.bm/pre-budget-report.
“The Ministry of Finance thanks all participants for their contributions to this vital process.”
The full Pre-Budget Report follows below [PDF here]:
For those who read beyond the fiction of “a national debt of $3.2 billion”, consider the following in light of the significantly understated national debt:
The budget deficit on a general government basis is set to narrow a little in 2025, though at 7.5% it remains very large;
Monetary policy needs to strike a delicate balance between responding to the softening of labour market conditions and addressing persistent above-target inflation;
Inflation has averaged below 2.0% over the last 12 months (our “above-target inflation” is again reported by the PLP Government as being lower than that of the U.S., U.K., and Canada);
The External Balance on Goods and Services decreased by 0.5%.
The report also recognises the U.S. as Bermuda’s largest trading partner.
The lack of response is a clear indicator of how little faith that the public has in anything the Finance Ministry has to say.