University conducting minimum income study

Thursday 07 January 2021

Employment and Social Security is encouraging islanders to participate in a study to establish a "minimum household budget" required for a socially acceptable standard of living.

The Centre for Research in Social Policy at Loughborough University is hoping to assess the level of income necessary needed for households in Guernsey, to not only meet their minimum material requirements, but to actively participate in society.

The work builds on previous research conducted in 2020, and will be used to update the Bailiwick's understanding of living standards and household needs.

"We're pleased to be working with Loughborough University to produce this update research, which will establish what people need in order to enjoy a socially acceptable standard of living," said ESS President Deputy Peter Roffey.

"Our Committee is looking forward to seeing the outcome of this research later in the year, as it will inform our thinking with regard to the rates of income support from 2022 onwards."

The Committee for Employment & Social Security is asking for people to participate in a study about minimum household budgets required to achieve a socially acceptable standard of living.
Results will update what we know about living standards & needs.https://t.co/F4n5Qdc1mP pic.twitter.com/PmIkeJK9yW

— States of Guernsey (@Govgg) January 6, 2021

"We would urge islanders to get involved and have their say by participating in the upcoming focus groups."

The CRSP is looking to recruit islanders to participate in discussion and focus groups to identify lists of goods and services required by; pensioners, working-age adults and households with children, in order for them to meet a minimum standard of living.

Guernsey prices will be applied to the items on this list, and this will be used to calculate a minimum income required to meet that standard.

Due to the pandemic, these group sessions will be held via Zoom. Participants will be paid for their time, and this will not impact any benefits they are entitled to. Any information granted to researchers will be strictly confidential, and the final results of the study will remain anonymous. At any time and for any reason, a participant may request that their information be withdrawn from the study.

CLICK HERE to find out more about the study and put your name forward for the focus groups.

Pictured top: Deputy Peter Roffey, President of ESS, is looking forward to the results of the research.