29-05-2025
Heading in the wrong direction and no power to change it: Channel Islanders' views on key decisions
Channel Islanders feel their lives are getting worse and they do not have the power to change it, according to a new survey.
Two in three Jersey respondents believe their island is heading in the wrong direction, and none of the participants in Guernsey think politicians represent them "very well".
More than 1,700 people from across the Channel Islands were surveyed by Island Global Research (IGR) and asked to share their views on key societal issues, as well as the extent to which they trust institutions and organisations which deliver essential services.
What did the Jersey figures reveal?
Respondents were asked to choose the five issues facing the island that should be prioritised from a list of 20.
Seven in ten included the cost of living, while nearly half chose hospital waiting lists, and 43% highlighted the availability of affordable housing.
Of those surveyed, 68% believe things are heading in the wrong direction, and the majority feel they have little to no influence over decisions made.
Fewer than 20% of respondents believe those who have been elected represent their views and values either "quite well" or "very well".
Just 1% of islanders questioned believe they influence decisions that are made.
Moving on to voting intentions, 46% declared they will "definitely" cast their ballot in the next Jersey election, while 26% said they will "probably vote".
Fewer than 20% of respondents say the people who have been elected to make decisions in their island represent their views and values either "quite well" or "very well".
What did the Guernsey figures reveal?
Participants in Guernsey highlighted the top concerns for their island, picking out the five issues that should be focused on from a list of 20.
Affordable housing at 68% was the most common response, 61% included the cost of living, and 40% want more focus on improvements to infrastructure.
More than three-quarters of those surveyed believe the island is heading in the wrong direction and 54% feel they do not influence the decisions made.
Meanwhile, 56% said elected officials do not represent their views and values.
Looking at the high cost of living, 4% said they could not afford what they spend, and 30% can cover only the essentials.
However, more than half describe their financial situation as "comfortable" and 11% as "very comfortable".
Reacting to the report, Deputy Chief Minister Heidi Soulsby says: "It's disappointing to read that, but not surprising.
"I think there's a feeling of frustration that the States hasn't got very far and how it's acted and not made the important decisions."
Lindsay Jefferies, Managing Director of Island Global Research, adds: "Two-thirds considered quality of life in the Channel Islands as higher than it would be in the UK.
"So whilst there is a clear sense of frustration and things that people want to change, they also recognise that we have a good quality of life, so that is something encouraging coming out."
