Wednesday 06 January 2021
The Committee for Employment & Social Security is asking people to participate in focus groups to establish a set of minimum household budgets required by islanders to achieve a socially acceptable standard of living.
The study, which will be conducted by researchers from the Centre for Research in Social Policy (CRSP) at Loughborough University, will establish the level of income that households in Guernsey need not just to meet their minimum material requirements, but to actively participate in society.
The work is intended to build on previous research conducted by CRSP in Guernsey in 2010. Results from the latest study, due to be published in 2021, will update what we know about living standards and household needs in Guernsey.
Researchers from CRSP will hold online discussion groups with Guernsey residents to identify lists of goods and services that pensioners, working-age adults, and households with children would need in order to have a minimum socially acceptable standard of living. Guernsey prices will be applied to the lists and the income required to meet the standard will be calculated.
Deputy Peter Roffey, President of the Committee for Employment & Social Security, said:
"We're pleased to be working with Loughborough University to produce this updated research which will establish what people need in order to enjoy a socially acceptable standard of living. Our Committee is looking forward to seeing the outcome of this research later in the year as it will inform our thinking with regard to the rates of income support from 2022 onwards."
"We would urge islanders to get involved and have their say by participating in the upcoming focus groups."
If you would like to take part in the focus groups, an online form can be found at gov.gg/MIS. You will be asked to submit some basic information which enables researchers to ensure that the study properly represents a cross-section of the community.
