Ministers: Anti-Inflation Measures 'Will Be Considered

Ministers says the Jersey Consumer Council's suggestions of ways to help islanders struggling with surging prices 'will be considered'.

The JCC has written to the Chief Minister calling for fuel duty to be slashed and every household to be offered £100 towards their energy bill.

It has suggested a raft of emergency measures to support households in the face of soaring cost of living price rises.

UK inflation remains at a 30 year high, at 6.2% for February.  That's up from 5.5% on the month before.

The Bank of England warning that it could reach 8% next month, driven by the 54% rise in the UK energy cap that is set to come into force on 1 April.

The most recent figures for Jersey - which are for December 2021 - put inflation here at 3.8%.

The JCC is asking for a three-month cut in motor fuel duty of 9p per litre and £100 credit for every household towards their gas, electricity or oil bill.

"Action is needed now, and it is essential that any possible solutions or assistance is quickly considered and implemented. On behalf of all consumers, we urge you and your government to do whatever is practically possible to help Islanders through the next few months." - An extract from the JCC's letter to the Chief Minister.

In the UK, Chancellor Rishi Sunak is has announced a 5p per litre cut in fuel duty during his Spring Statement.

Channel 103 has asked the government for a response to the JCC's letter, and specifically whether it will cut fuel duty.

No one was available for interview, but we received this statement:

"The Council of Ministers would like to thank the Consumer Council for their suggestions, which will be considered by the relevant departments. 

The Government is acutely aware of the inflationary pressures facing islanders and is reconstituting the Inflation Strategy Group to monitor changes and any steps the Government can take to assist Islanders.

Many of the recommendations of the Inflation Strategy Report of 2020 remain relevant. However, the causes of current inflationary pressures are largely global in nature and are outside the Island’s control.

We will work with the Consumer Council and other key partners to ensure that Islanders are supported." - Deputy Chief Minister Lyndon Farnhan & Social Security Minister Deputy Judy Martin.