After new figures revealed inflation is rising again in Jersey, a scrutineer has urged the government to take “urgent” action on child poverty – and the island’s consumer champion has warned that mounting financial pressure could soon require government support for grocery costs.

Deputy Louise Doublet is the chair of the Family Friendly Post-Implementation Scrutiny Sub-Panel, which was set up to assess how changes to the Employment Law have been implemented, and what the impact has been on local families.

The sub-panel recently heard evidence from local charities – including Brighter Futures, which said that some parents are going without food in order to ensure their children can be fed.

Deputy Doublet said her panel is “extremely concerned at the increasing levels of child poverty this evidence indicates”.

“Research shows that this is likely to impact a child’s development and increase the risk that they will experience poor mental health,” she explained.

“It is vital that government focuses on understanding this issue and takes action to address it urgently. No child in Jersey should be living in poverty.”

It is vital that government focuses on understanding this issue and takes action to address it urgently

deputy louise doublet

Her comments came in the same week that new figures revealed the rate at which prices are rising has increased after more than two years of falling inflation.

The annual rate of inflation increased to 2.6% in the year to June, up from 2.3% in March, according to the latest Retail Prices Index (RPI) report published yesterday.

In response, Jersey Consumer Council chair Carl Walker said the pressure on food and energy costs is being felt widely by islanders.

“Food is still worryingly expensive for islanders,” he said

“The price of food continues to go up almost weekly.

“Yes, it’s not going up by as much as it was a few years ago, but it’s still climbing, and families are continuing to struggle to make ends meet.”

He also added that energy costs earlier in the year are likely still having an impact across the economy.

“It’s important to remember that we saw price increases in electricity at the beginning of the year, which will have had a knock-on effect, because not only for domestic but every business and commercial user will have to pass that on to consumers also,” he said.

Are we reaching a stage where the government needs to help islanders with their grocery shopping?

Jersey Consumer Council chair Carl Walker

While inflation has dropped significantly from its double-digit highs, Mr Walker warned that many islanders are still struggling with the cost of everyday essentials – and that the need for support may be growing.

“The government recently increased the subsidy for doctors’ fees to make it cheaper for islanders to visit the doctor. But are we reaching a stage where the government needs to help islanders with their grocery shopping?” he asked.

“Food banks are still inundated, and they’re helping people where both parents are working and still struggling. Times are tough.”