Income and spending
The Household Spending and Income Survey (HSIS) ran for a year from May 2009 to May 2010. It combines 2 surveys that were previously run separately; the Jersey Income Distribution Survey and the Household Expenditure Survey.
Latest reports
Jersey Household Spending Survey report 2009/10 (government and administration section)
Jersey Income Distribution Survey report 2009/10 (government and administration section)
Previous reports
2004/05 Household Expenditure Survey report (government and administration section)
2002 Income Distribution Survey Report (government and administration section)
Why is the survey important?
Finding out the types, quantities and cost of things which Jersey households spend their money on is vital for a number of official statistics to be produced.
For example to calculate the Retail Prices Index (RPI) statisticians give more weight or importance to some goods or services than others depending on what proportion of a household’s income on average is spent on them. It is vital that the RPI is accurate as it is a key economic measure, often affects pay negotiations and rents and is used to update a variety of benefits.
Find out more about the Retail Price Index
It is also important to collect information on different sources of income for different household types so we can assess the income distribution for Islanders. This information can be used to analyse the impact of income support and benefits and to investigate the effect of housing costs on income levels.
What does the survey involve?
From May 2009 through to May 2010 households in Jersey were randomly chosen to take part in the survey. A fieldworker then visited the household to talk through the survey and answer any queries. The fieldworker led the household through a series of questions (eg on the household make-up, income and large / regular purchases). The household also kept a spending diary over the next fortnight.
We greatly appreciate the help of all those who participated in the survey as they represent not only their own household but all others like it. The HSIS was an opportunity for Islanders to take part in a process that affects everyone in Jersey. Many households that took part found it to be a useful household budgeting exercise.