Be savvy when you shop

As Jersey's politicians debate next year's budget, the consumer council is urging islanders to be more savvy when they shop.

Tax rises on food, fuel, alcohol and tobacco mean getting the best deal has never been so important.

The Jersey consumer's being hit from all quarters.

Alcohol duty going up 6.7 per cent has put 2p on a pint and 7 pence on a bottle of wine.

For smokers there's an 11.1 per cent increase on tobacco - so that's 35p on a packet of 20 cigarettes.

Drivers will see an extra 2p on a litre of unleaded petrol.

And and on top of those levies - GST will be going up from 3 to 5 per cent.

As well as the increased taxes, many goods themselves are likely to get more expensive, as manufacturers hike their prices.

Bread for example went up by 10p this year - due to global wheat shortages, and rising transport costs.

And bakers are predicted further increases this year.

Senator Alan Breckon said: "Think before you buy, look around, look for value, look for bargains, compare prices, don't just leap in there, because they are there to be had whether they're local or off island, using the internet or round local shops, keep your money in your pocket until you've got the transparency who's charging UK equivalent prices inclusive of VAT."

In the summer Deputy Mike Higgins asked the States to bring in a law to stop shops from charging Jersey customers VAT.

It was defeated, much to the relief of the business community who think government shouldn't get involved.

Chamber of Commerce head Ray Shead said: "You're getting into people's detailed commercial decisions and really it's the market who decides, so therefore if people want to charge VAT equivalent prices that's their decision and the consumer has the perfect right to look and say hang on that's too much and they vote with their feet, or their wallets or their purses." (from CTV)

Three cheers for Amazon (and the Internet in general)