Ahead of Jersey's 2026 general election, residents in the districts of Grouville and St Martin are expressing significant concerns about the rising cost of living and the affordability of housing. These issues are shaping the sentiment of islanders as they consider the future of their community.
A business owner in Gorey, who spoke to the BBC, reported that the price of eggs has more than doubled over the past three years. This sharp increase in a staple food item highlights the broader inflationary pressures affecting households and businesses on the island.
Tracey Benn, proprietor of Café Louise in Gorey harbour, detailed how the introduction of a flat rate for freight under the new ferry contract has escalated her operational costs. She explained that this new system mandates that all freight providers pay the same rate per meter of ship space, regardless of the volume of goods they transport. Previously, businesses with higher volumes often secured more favorable rates. The flat rate was implemented last year with the stated aim of enhancing competitiveness within the freight sector.
"I don't know if it's made it competitive," Tracey Benn told the BBC, expressing skepticism about the policy's effectiveness. She further elaborated on the financial strain, stating, "I mean, if I had to put my prices up in the café like any other business in relation to what our wholesale prices have gone up, I wouldn't have any customers. We're having to absorb these and just, you know, suck it and see what's going to happen."
Benn provided specific examples of cost increases. "When I took over the business three years ago, I was paying £3.60 for a tray of eggs. I use an awful lot of eggs. I'm now paying, three years down the line, £7.90 for a tray of eggs," she reported. "Bacon was £29. I'm now paying £39 a case." She also noted a dramatic price hike for coffee beans, a product her business had used for nearly two decades. "My coffee beans – I used a particular bean and the business had used that bean for almost 20 years – overnight, the price of a case went up by £80," Benn said.
Elaine Davis, a resident of St Martin, echoed these sentiments, identifying ferry services as a significant contributor to the escalating cost of living. "Well, I've got family visiting from London and they notice how expensive it is, just buying groceries and things," Davis shared with the BBC. "You just notice that little extra bit of cost on everything – that maybe comes from the transport, but don't get me started on DFDS and the new contract because that's not good. I really wish we hadn't changed from Condor. We travel a lot to the UK and the continent, and I feel it's a step backwords."
The BBC has reached out to DFDS and the Government of Jersey for comment on these concerns.
Beyond the immediate cost of goods, housing affordability emerged as a critical issue. Debbie Krupski, a 47-year-old resident, described Gorey as a "most wonderful place" but expressed deep worry about the ability of individuals to afford housing on the island. "Life is great here – as long as you are based here," she stated. "If you're looking to come in, it's very challenging unless you have a huge amount of money to spend and you can really invest in a massive property here. [If not,] then it's tricky for you, so I'd say affordability… is an island-wide thing."
Krupski articulated a stark personal reality: "The reality for me is that, unless there is some miracle-changing event, I won't be able to stay here. There is no way I can afford it. I will have to leave at some point, which is very sad. I don't want to, I want to be part of this community in the long-term, but it simply isn't viable as a retirement for me."
Despite these challenges, Krupski believes Jersey possesses significant potential for positive change. "You have some incredible people here and, if you could just harness that, we really do have autonomy and the agency and the agility to make big changes," she told the BBC. "I do believe we have the vision, but is that vision in the right places? Is it in the places of influence and change?"
The election for deputies in Grouville and St Martin is scheduled for Sunday, June 7. Information regarding the candidates standing in these districts is available through Vote.je.
