Criticism Grows Over Changes to Lifestyle Survey Frequency

Deputy Calls for Annual Lifestyle Survey Amid Funding Concerns

A Jersey politician is calling on the government to maintain the annual frequency of a key lifestyle survey, warning that scaling it back could hinder effective policymaking.

Deputy Louise Doublet has submitted a proposal requesting £79,000 in funding to continue running the Jersey Opinions and Lifestyle Survey (JOLS) every year, rather than every two years as currently planned.

Her appeal comes after Statistics Jersey announced that, due to budget cuts outlined in the 2024 financial plan, the JOLS would alternate annually with the Children and Young Persons Survey. The move has raised concerns among policymakers and campaigners.

The JOLS has been a cornerstone of data collection for nearly 20 years, gathering insights on islanders’ views, behaviors, and living conditions. According to the Government of Jersey, more than 50,000 residents have taken part in the survey since its inception.

Findings from the most recent JOLS in 2024 revealed that nearly one-third of participating households were struggling with housing costs—an issue campaigners say requires targeted, data-driven responses.

“This is valuable statistical data needed to inform policy to target the most vulnerable in the island,” said Deputy Doublet. “If the survey is changed, as planned, to a bi-annual basis, vital policy will fall behind the issues currently faced by islanders.”