Islanders will have the opportunity to put their questions directly to some of Jersey’s most senior decision-makers tonight at a live Question Time-style event tackling the cost of living.

‘How do you solve a problem like the cost of living?’ will take place at the Pomme d’Or Hotel this evening (Thursday 26 March), bringing together a high-profile panel to debate one of the most pressing issues facing the island. Doors open at 6pm, with a start time of 6.15pm.

On the panel will be Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham, joined by Health Minister and Deputy Chief Minister Tom Binet, Consumer Council Chair Carl Walker, and Co-op Channel Islands Chief Executive Mark Cox.

Together, they will be taking questions from the public on the rising cost of everyday life – from food and fuel prices to healthcare pressures and the broader economic challenges facing households and businesses.

The event, hosted by All Island Media and chaired by Bailiwick Express and Connect editor Fiona Potigny, will follow a Question Time-style format, with discussion driven by audience-submitted questions as well as those raised on the night.

The aim is to explore the issue from multiple angles, reflecting the concerns raised by readers in recent months, while also focusing on practical solutions and the difficult decisions that may lie ahead.

Previous events in the series have drawn strong audiences and lively debate, with panellists and attendees alike highlighting the value of open, direct conversation between policymakers, industry leaders and the public.

Doors will open at 6pm, with the discussion starting at 6.15pm and running for approximately two hours.

Tickets are available now, and attendees are encouraged to submit questions in advance to help shape the discussion.

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Meet the panellists…

Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham

Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham Picture: James Jeune (39371733)

First elected to the States of Jersey in October 1999 as Deputy for St Saviour number 2 district. Re elected in 2002, stood down in 2005. Elected as Senator in 2011 and re elected in 2014 and 2018. Elected Deputy for St Mary, St Ouen and St Peter in 2022. Elected Chief Minsiter of Jersey January 2024.

Deputy Tom Binet, Health and Social Security Minister

Deputy Tom Binet (centre) (37348232)

Serving in the States Assembly since 2022, Deputy Tom Binet serves as the co-founder and chair of local charity Focus on Mental Illness. He was a previous Chairman of the Jersey Schizophrenia Fellowship, as well as currently chairing the End of Life Choices Jersey campaign group. Coming from a background of developing businesses in agriculture, retail/services and property, Deputy Binet will bring his knowledge of being a local businessman, as well as the current Health and Social Security Minister and part of the States Assembly to the panel.

Carl Walker, Consumer Council Chairman

Jersey Consumer Council chairman Carl Walker

Carl Walker has led the Consumer Council as Chairman since April 2018. He joined the Council following a 22-year journalism career in both the UK and Jersey, which led to him becoming Deputy Editor of the Jersey Evening Post.

A strong advocate for consumer rights, Carl is passionate about improving transparency, fairness, and accountability for people in Jersey, and for helping Islanders to resolve any consumer rights issues they may have.

Mark Cox, Coop CEO

Co-op building at Five Oaks. Mike McNally, president of the society and Mark Cox, chief executive. Picture: ROB CURRIE. (36839379)

Mark joined the CI Coop in 2010, and was appointed as CEO and director in July 2020.

Mark’s career in the retail industry started over three decades ago so his knowledge and expertise in this field, combined with a thorough understanding of our pan-island business’ needs and requirements are an invaluable asset.

He is a proven leader who is dedicated to developing the our future strategy and growth, as well as investing in the development of our colleagues and protecting long-term member value. His passion for the CI Coop is nothing short of infectious.