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The States of Guernsey are still looking for more people to take part in a Household Expenditure Survey so they can work out our cost of living - and they might even give you some money for taking part.
More than 200 households have already signed up to the project, since it launched in May - with around half opting to enter a prize draw with prizes of £500, £250 and £100 and three runner up prizes of £50 drawn quarterly.
The other half of entrants chose to receive a £25 meal voucher instead for their trouble.
The organisers - the Data and Analysis team which works closely with all political departments - said the survey gathers information about the goods and services that are bought by people living in Guernsey and also how the expenditure is funded. That could be through income, from savings or via a loan or other form of credit.
Pictured: The survey seeks to find out how much we spend on things like groceries
They said 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. You may also have seen the team out and about at various public events over the summer months including the Donkey Derby, Castle Nights and the Rocquaine Regatta.
Helen Walton, Head of Data and Analysis, has been involved with the project since it was launched and she said the results are already very interesting to read.
"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."
Ms Walton said the information gathered during the Survey, which is repeated periodically, is anonymised and then used by both the States and the public.
It will be used to update the Retail Prices Index which is otherwise known as the RPI 'basket" giving an idea of how much the average person spends on certain essential and luxury goods.
Changes in RPI are then used to inform any changes to:
The information gathered is publicly available and can be used for other market or social research projects.
There is more information, including on how to sign up at www.gov.gg/household or by calling 717188 or email hes@gov.gg
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