Around half of Channel Islanders are struggling to cover their daily living expenses, according to a recent survey conducted by Island Global Research, which examined how residents have been coping over the past year.
The data reveals that the cost of living remains a top concern for islanders. Of the 1,416 people surveyed—672 from Jersey and 744 from Guernsey—many reported receiving "very little" to "no" support, often turning to charities or family members for assistance.
Approximately 50% of respondents in Guernsey and 49% in Jersey reported difficulty affording basic expenses such as rent, electricity, internet, and food. These figures have remained consistent since the previous survey in 2022.
Nearly two in five Channel Islanders indicated they would struggle to handle an additional £100 in monthly living costs. Across both islands, nearly 90% said their households have been impacted by the rising cost of living.
In Jersey, 10% of respondents, and 7% in Guernsey, said they frequently go without essentials. Over the past six months, a quarter of people have sought financial help to meet their daily expenses.
Looking ahead, a third of Jersey respondents and a quarter of those in Guernsey expressed concern about the future impact of rising living costs. In Jersey, 36% of people are struggling with food costs, a 6% increase from 2022.
Island Global Research noted that while there has been a slight reduction in overall concern about poverty and quality of life since 2022, this likely reflects an "adjustment to the new living cost norms." They hope the survey’s findings will help communities make informed decisions, as uncertainty about future living costs persists.