Stories

Thu, 14 May 2026

Thu, 14 May 2026 Cost of living concerns in St Helier Central

The BBC has heard concerns about poverty and cost of living from St Helier Central voters.

* The number of Jersey families using food banks has tripled in four years, from 195 in 2022 to 650 now.
* Patrick Lynch, head of Caritas Jersey, says the cost of living is the main concern for voters ahead of Jersey's 2026 general election.
* Inflation and interest rates have risen since 2022, causing rent increases of 20-30% and making it difficult for people on low wages to afford basic necessities.
* Lynch calls on all candidates to commit to introducing a living wage over the lifetime of the next assembly, which would increase salaries by £1.51 per hour.
* The Portuguese community in Jersey is being affected by the cost of living, with 12% of St Helier North residents born in Portugal or Madeira.
* Claudia Alves, a community advocate from Madeira, says many members of the Portuguese community are leaving Jersey and moving back to Portugal or Madeira due to the high cost of living.
* Brexit has also impacted the community, making it harder for businesses to hire staff and replace departing employees.
* The cost of housing is a major concern for voters, with some considering moving to the UK in search of more affordable options.