The Bermuda Government’s revenues climbed $8.4 million, or 3.9 per cent, to $221.2 million during the second quarter of this year.

However, government spending also increased by 1.4 per cent for the period of April through to June, to $269.8 million.

Current expenditures accounted for $257 million, due mainly to a rise in pension payments, while government capital expenditure stood at $12.8 million.

The increase was in keeping with patterns observed for the first quarter of the 2015-16 fiscal year by Bob Richards, the Minister of Finance. In that instance, Mr Richards ascribed the rise in takings to higher payroll tax collections, higher collections in customs duty and higher stamp duty collections.

The government’s revenue target for the present fiscal year was set in February’s Budget at $931 million.

Meanwhile, the Island’s overall employment revenue declined 0.7 per cent, or $5.5 million, to $772 million. Construction was hit hardest, dropping 11.9 per cent.

Residents declared 3.3 per cent more on overseas purchases, an additional $14.8 million, with jewellery and watches contributing the greatest increase. The value of imported foods contracted 9.5 per cent, to $233.7 million.