Jersey prices steadier.

Jersey is an expensive place to live, and prices are still much higher than in the UK, according to official figures.

But according to a report published this week by the States of Jersey Statistics Unit, which compares consumer prices in Jersey and in the UK, the gap is narrowing.

Between 2000 and 2005, prices increased at a considerably faster rate in Jersey, but since 2005 the rate of increase has been similar for both.

Direct food comparisons with the UK show that fresh fish is 40 per cent more expensive in Jersey. Average meat prices are 14 per cent higher. Fresh fruit is 20 per cent more expensive. The cost of fresh vegetables is 30 per cent higher. Although the price of milk has risen by 9 per cent in the UK and has remained unchanged in Jersey, it is still much higher in Jersey than in the UK.

Over the last seven years, the average price of alcohol has increased almost twice as fast in Jersey.

Assistant Economic Development Minister Alan Maclean said that the report was encouraging news, but consumer prices were much higher than in the UK.