THE cost of living remains the single biggest concern for Islanders – cutting across age, income and household type – according to a major new survey.
New research by independent think tank Policy Centre Jersey reveals that 38% of respondents identified cost of living as the most important issue facing the Island.
That figure dwarfs every other concern, with housing trailing far behind at 13%, followed by faith in government at 11% and Jersey’s economy at 8%.
The latest ‘Top Issues for Islanders’ survey was completed by 1,422 people, either online or through face-to-face street interviews.
The survey uses the same questions as the centre’s 2025 poll and mirrors a similar government-commissioned study in 2024, allowing trends to be tracked over time.
In all three surveys, cost of living has consistently ranked as the top issue, followed by housing and faith in government.
Compared with last year, mentions of cost of living have increased sharply, while faith in government also now stands as one of the most frequently cited concerns.
While cost pressures were universal, some generational divides emerged. Housing was significantly more important for Islanders under 35 than for older age groups, reflecting the acute challenges facing younger adults trying to get on the property ladder.
By contrast, healthcare and the hospital were more prominent concerns among those aged 55 and over.
Because the survey follows the format of the respected Ipsos Issues Index, direct comparisons can be made with public opinion in the UK.
In the UK’s January 2026 index, immigration topped the list of concerns at 24%, followed by the economy at 18%. Inflation and prices accounted for just 9% – a fraction of the 38% recorded in Jersey.
Policy Centre Jersey senior adviser Mark Boleat said: “These surveys are a useful way of gauging public opinion and tracking how views change over time.
“The three surveys show that cost of living is consistently the issue that the people of Jersey regard as the most important.
“The differences between the Jersey and UK surveys are striking. In the UK immigration is by far the most important issue, with inflation much lower down the list.
“It may be that responses to surveys such as these are influenced in part by the volume of media and political comment on particular issues.”
