What percentage of the budget do staff costs typically account for in most jurisdictions?

Staff costs typically account for a significant portion of the budget in most jurisdictions because personnel expenses, including salaries, benefits, and related costs, are fundamental to the operation of government entities and departments. These expenses often represent the majority of the operational budget due to the need for adequate staffing to perform essential services, including assessment administration.

The range identified in your response, 80% to 85%, reflects the higher end of common allocations in many government budgets, particularly in areas where services are labor-intensive. This percentage aligns with a realistic understanding of how operational needs in public service often necessitate substantial investment in human resources. Other factors, such as the operational scale of the jurisdiction and the specific services provided, can influence these percentages, but the 80% to 85% range is a general reflection of the staffing-heavy nature of public sector budgeting.