Thursday 30 August 2018
Over 200 households have volunteered to take part in the States' Household Expenditure Survey and more have agreed after being randomly selected, since it was launched in May. About half the households have opted to enter the prize draw with the other half choosing to receive the £25 meal voucher. The winners from the first prize draw have all collected their prizes (the top prize was £500, second prize £250, third prize £100 and three runner up prizes of £50) and the next draw will take place in November.
The Survey gathers information about the goods and services that are bought by people living in Guernsey and also how the expenditure is funded (for example whether it is funded from recent income, from savings or via a loan or other form of credit).
The survey has been welcomed by employers, businesses and community organisations with many agreeing to assist the survey team in getting members of the community involved. The team have been promoting the Survey at various public events, including the Donkey Derby, Castle Nights and the Rocquaine Regatta.
Helen Walton, Head of Data and Analysis, said:
'The quality of the data we've received so far has been excellent. Providing we can reach our target of 1,000 households, the survey will provide a really robust and informative resource.
The team has been going to as many events as possible to encourage people to take part in the Survey. Feel free to ask them for more information when you see them out and about or call, email or contact us via the website.'
Information gathered during the Survey, which is repeated periodically, is anonymised and then used by both the States and the public. For example, the results are:
- Used to update Retail Prices Index (RPI) basket, to ensure it remains accurate and relevant to what people in Guernsey spend their money on (see www.gov.gg/rpi for the latest figures). Changes in the RPI are used to inform:
- Tax allowances
- Social Security benefit rates
- Pension payments
- Maintenance payments
- Wage negotiations
- Rental price reviews
- Published for anyone to access for market or social research, see www.gov.gg/household for the results of the last survey.
Anyone who wishes to take part in the survey is encouraged to visit www.gov.gg/hes for further information or contact us on 717188 or hes@gov.gg
