 More than 500 items will be included in the programme |
Plans to compare the price of goods and services in Jersey with the UK are concerning some shops and businesses. Jersey Consumer Council has received funding from the States to set up a Price Watch programme.
Deputy Alan Breckon, chairman of the council, says it will allow shoppers to decide whether they are happy with the level of service.
But shopkeeper Nick Pitman is worried that it will coincide with the introduction of a goods and sales tax.
Complaints
Mr Pitman, who runs Trek Plus, says shops are already competing with internet and mail order companies in the UK that also do not charge VAT.
He says many shops are run as small businesses and are faced with the choice of absorbing the 5% sales tax or increasing their prices.
The Price Watch programme will cover about 500 items or services provided in the island, including food prices.
Since the Jersey Consumer Council was set up nine years ago, it says islanders complain most often about UK prices, inclusive of 17.5% VAT and how expensive food is in the island.
Recent statistics show Jersey is out of line with the UK.
The council says food prices have gone up seven times as much as in the UK in the past year.
It says motoring costs have risen by 18.5%, while UK costs have fallen by more than 4% over the past four years.
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
