Consumer News
Latest News
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Is your home properly protected? Why contents insurance is worth every penny
Imagine walking into your home to find it flooded from a burst pipe, burgled during a weekend away, or damaged by a kitchen fire. It’s a stressful enough situation — but even more devastating when you realise you’ll have to replace everything out of your own pocket.
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Do you know when it's time to replace your hot water bottle?
With the nights getting colder, it may be time to dig out your water bottle.
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GALLERY: The first Jersey Consumer Fair
The first Jersey Consumer Fair took place on Friday, 19 and Saturday, 20 September 2025. It was organised by the Jersey Consumer Council to mark our 30th anniversary year and brought together representatives from around 20 local consumer-focused organisations.
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Consumer Council launches new AI assistant to answer your questions
It's now easier than ever for Islanders to get helpful consumer advice, thanks to a new AI assistant created by the Jersey Consumer Council.
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Water bills to increase in 2026 to help safeguard water supplies
Water bills will be rising next year by an average of almost £60 per household, as part of an ‘essential strategy’ by Jersey Water to safeguard current and future water supplies. The utility provider has set out its plans to address future water shortages and protect the Island’s water supply, in a new five-year strategy.
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What did the Consumer Fair visitors say?
We asked visitors to the first Jerey Consumer Fair for their feedback and comments. Here's what some of them said.
Consumer Tips
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Top tips to make your mobile phone last longer
We live in a world where smartphones are essential tools for work, communication, and entertainment.
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Beat the heat: Top tips for staying cool on a hot day
Recently we’ve been asked by consumers for our tips on staying cool in hot weather. The UK summers are getting hotter, so what are our options?
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Lunch meal deals: where’s the best value?
If you are someone who tends to buy their lunch each day in town, and like the idea of a meal deal, then you could save £300 a year depending upon where you are grabbing your food.
Chairman's Week
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Real stories, real help: Marking 30 years the Jersey Consumer Council way
When we started planning how to mark the Jersey Consumer Council’s 30th anniversary, we faced a choice. We could have done what many organisations do at such milestones: host a dinner, raise a glass, and look back fondly at our achievements.
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A fair for the people
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Jersey Consumer Council – three decades spent standing up for Islanders, challenging unfairness, and giving consumers a voice. It’s a milestone we're proud of, but rather than throwing a party to celebrate ourselves, we asked a simple question: how can we give something back?
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Encouraging young people to shop around
Did you know that in a recent survey of young people in Jersey, “cheaper housing and food” was listed as one of their top priorities?
Cost of Living
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Water bills to increase in 2026 to help safeguard water supplies
Water bills will be rising next year by an average of almost £60 per household, as part of an ‘essential strategy’ by Jersey Water to safeguard current and future water supplies. The utility provider has set out its plans to address future water shortages and protect the Island’s water supply, in a new five-year strategy.
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Inflation rises again: What it means for Jersey consumers
After more than two years of falling inflation, the latest figures from Statistics Jersey show that the annual rate of inflation has risen to 2.6% in the year to June, up from 2.3% in March.
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Changes to international calling charges on JT landlines
JT have increased the cost to call some international destinations from a landline for both residential and business customers.
Energy and Fuel
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Do we need a watchdog for our utility companies?
Our utility companies have free rein to announce a price rise and we have no choice but to swallow it.
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Top tips for staying warm this winter
To cheer you up during this cold start to the new year, we are offering you our top tips for staying warm this winter.
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Gas prices rise by 7.5%
Island Energy has announced that gas prices in Jersey will rise by 7.5% with effect from 16 January 2025.
Entertainment and Social Media
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Sky TV prices to increase
There’s bad news if you’re a Sky TV customer. The satellite television company will be increasing their prices by an average of 6.2% from 1 April.
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Netflix price rise – how will your plan be affected?
There’s bad news if you’re a Netflix subscriber – the streaming platform has increased the cost of its monthly subscriptions for UK customers.
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What happens to your digital assets after your death?
It may not be something you want to think about just now, but do you know what will happen to your digital assets after you die?
Finances and Insurance
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Is your home properly protected? Why contents insurance is worth every penny
Imagine walking into your home to find it flooded from a burst pipe, burgled during a weekend away, or damaged by a kitchen fire. It’s a stressful enough situation — but even more devastating when you realise you’ll have to replace everything out of your own pocket.
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An update on credit cards
Since our last update about credit cards in November 2024, we've been contacted by many Islanders who are still concerned about the lack of options to obtain a credit card in Jersey for shopping or travelling purposes.
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Step-by-step guide for expats buying back UK National Insurance contributions
The 5 April deadline for those who have previously lived and worked in the UK to buy-back up to 19 missing years of National Insurance contributions is rapidly approaching so we have produced this step-by-step guide on how to make your claim.
Groceries
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Lunch meal deals: where’s the best value?
If you are someone who tends to buy their lunch each day in town, and like the idea of a meal deal, then you could save £300 a year depending upon where you are grabbing your food.
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Encouraging young people to shop around
Did you know that in a recent survey of young people in Jersey, “cheaper housing and food” was listed as one of their top priorities?
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Coop members approve 2% "divvy" payments for a second year
Coop customers will receive lower "divvy" payments of 2% for a second year running.
Health and Wellbeing
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£10 Government subsidy for some healthcare appointments
From 1 July 2025, Islanders will receive a new £10 Government subsidy for appointments with nurses, pharmacists, paramedics, healthcare assistants, and for GP consultations by phone.
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Beat the heat: Top tips for staying cool on a hot day
Recently we’ve been asked by consumers for our tips on staying cool in hot weather. The UK summers are getting hotter, so what are our options?
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GP fees go down by £10
Jersey's government has announced that from Monday, 20 May they are giving another £10 towards every GP appointment.
Postage
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Jersey Post temporarily suspend sending parcels to the US due to Trump customs fees
Islanders won’t temporarily be able to send any parcels to America, due to an executive order from US President Donald Trump that will impose extra fees on parcels of all sizes.
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Jersey Post explain new packing surcharge details
Did you know that you will have to pay a £5 packing surcharge to send any large parcels off the Island that aren’t packaged in a cardboard box?
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Did you know you have to pay VAT when sending parcels to the UK?
If you’re sending parcels to the UK that are worth £39 or more, did you know that VAT needs to be paid on the goods inside?
Price Comparisons
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Comparing the cost of sun cream in Jersey
As summer temperatures rise, so does demand for sun cream — but how much should you be paying to protect your skin?
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Lunch meal deals: where’s the best value?
If you are someone who tends to buy their lunch each day in town, and like the idea of a meal deal, then you could save £300 a year depending upon where you are grabbing your food.
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Price survey: “99” ice creams
Islanders may want to check their loose change before heading to the beach for a summer treat, as the price of a traditional “99” ice creams varies by as much as £1.50 depending on where they’re bought.
Scams
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Beware of travel scams
Thinking about a summer holiday? Looking for a last-minute deal? Planning a city break? Travel scams have been prevalent over the past few years, so be careful when booking anything online.
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Unsolicited parcels? It could be a brushing scam
Have you ever received a parcel you didn’t order? Recently, we were contacted by a consumer who had received several parcels from Amazon that he hadn’t ordered, and he didn’t know what to do. We discovered that it was most likely that he has been the victim of a brushing scam.
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Now is the time to make sure you're secure online
The recent national cyber attacks on Marks and Spencer and the Coop have resulted in empty shelves in some of Jersey’s supermarkets in recent weeks. However, while the lack of food has caused issues for Islanders, in the UK customers have been told that the attackers gained access to their personal data, including contact details, date of birth, and online order history.
Seasonal
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Do you know when it's time to replace your hot water bottle?
With the nights getting colder, it may be time to dig out your water bottle.
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Comparing the cost of sun cream in Jersey
As summer temperatures rise, so does demand for sun cream — but how much should you be paying to protect your skin?
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Beat the heat: Top tips for staying cool on a hot day
Recently we’ve been asked by consumers for our tips on staying cool in hot weather. The UK summers are getting hotter, so what are our options?
Shopping
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A fresh perspective on Jersey’s high street
Two of our newest Consumer Council members – both of whom are members of Beaulieu School’s sixth form – surveyed their fellow pupils about what shops they would like to see in Jersey for people their age.
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Share your positive consumer experiences
We’re looking for your positive consumer experiences.
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Returning unwanted gifts after Christmas
If you've received any Christmas gifts you don't want or, even worse, that don't work, then it's important you know your rights.
Subscriptions and Utilities
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Water bills to increase in 2026 to help safeguard water supplies
Water bills will be rising next year by an average of almost £60 per household, as part of an ‘essential strategy’ by Jersey Water to safeguard current and future water supplies. The utility provider has set out its plans to address future water shortages and protect the Island’s water supply, in a new five-year strategy.
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Changes to international calling charges on JT landlines
JT have increased the cost to call some international destinations from a landline for both residential and business customers.
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JT's 3G network to be switched off
Telecoms company JT have let us know that they will be following the UK and the rest of the world and beginning their work to switch off their 3G service.
Travel and Motoring
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Travelling to Europe after 12 October 2025? What Jersey and UK travellers need to know
At our Consumer Fair on 19 and 20 September, we found that several Islanders were worried about the new travel policies coming in from October for travellers to European countries. We've looked into this issue and here's what you need to know.
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Comparing the cost of sun cream in Jersey
As summer temperatures rise, so does demand for sun cream — but how much should you be paying to protect your skin?
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DFDS update website after consumers spot booking error
Ferry firm DFDS has updated its booking website after we alerted them to an error.
Opinion Poll
The Jersey Consumer Council frequently asks Islanders to take part in polls on a range of topics.
Just tap on one of the options below to cast your vote and see what others think.
