Gorey Residents Voice Ferry Costs and Housing Affordability Concerns Ahead of Jersey Election

Ahead of Jersey's 2026 election, residents in Gorey and surrounding areas express concerns over rising ferry freight costs and housing affordability, highlighting impacts on local businesses and community sustainability.

Residents Share Concerns Ahead of Jersey's 2026 Election

In the lead-up to Jersey's 2026 general election, the BBC is visiting each voting district to engage with islanders about the issues impacting their lives. On Tuesday, residents from Grouville and St Martin expressed their concerns on various local matters.

Rising Costs Impacting Local Businesses

Tracey Benn, owner of Café Louise located in Gorey harbour, highlighted the significant increase in the cost of essential goods, attributing some of the rise to changes in freight pricing linked to the new ferry contract.

She explained that the introduction of a flat rate freight system, which charges all freight providers the same rate per meter of space on ships, has increased her expenses. Previously, providers importing larger volumes benefited from discounted rates. This flat rate was implemented last year with the intention of fostering competition within the freight sector.

"I don't know if it's made it competitive. I mean, if I had to put my prices up in the café like any other business in relation to what our wholesale prices have gone up, I wouldn't have any customers. We're having to absorb these and just, you know, suck it and see what's going to happen."

Tracey detailed specific price increases she has experienced over the past three years:

"When I took over the business three years ago, I was paying £3.60 for a tray of eggs. I use an awful lot of eggs. I'm now paying, three years down the line, £7.90 for a tray of eggs. Bacon was £29. I'm now paying £39 a case. My coffee beans - I used a particular bean and the business had used that bean for almost 20 years - overnight, the price of a case went up by £80."

Tracey Benn is wearing a white Breton top with black stripes and she is wearing glasses. — Café Louise owner Tracey Benn says the new freight pricing model has meant key ingredients are more expensive

Ferry Service Changes and Cost of Living

Elaine Davis, a resident of St Martin, also expressed concerns about the impact of ferry services on the cost of living. She noted that visiting family from London had remarked on the high prices of groceries and other goods.

"Well, I've got family visiting from London and they notice how expensive it is, just buying groceries and things. You just notice that little extra bit of cost on everything - that maybe comes from the transport, but don't get me started on DFDS and the new contract because that's not good. I really wish we hadn't changed from Condor. We travel a lot to the UK and the continent, and I feel it's a step backwards."

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Elaine Davis pictured in Gorey Harbour. She is wearing a Breton-striped top, black sunglasses and has blonde hair. Behind her, the harbour is at low tide, and there are moored boats. — Elaine Davis says ferry issues are leading to more expensive goods

Housing Affordability Challenges in Gorey

Debbie Krupski, 47, described Gorey as "the most wonderful place" but voiced concerns about the affordability of housing on the island. She emphasized the difficulty for newcomers to settle without substantial financial resources.

"Life is great here - as long as you are based here. If you're looking to come in, it's very challenging unless you have a huge amount of money to spend and you can really invest in a massive property here. [If not,] then it's tricky for you, so I'd say affordability... is an island-wide thing."

Debbie shared her personal outlook on her ability to remain on the island long-term:

"The reality for me is that, unless there is some miracle-changing event, I won't be able to stay here. There is no way I can afford it. I will have to leave at some point, which is very sad. I don't want to, I want to be part of this community in the long-term, but it simply isn't viable as a retirement for me."

She also expressed optimism about Jersey's potential for positive change, contingent on leadership and vision:

"You have some incredible people here and, if you could just harness that, we really do have autonomy and the agency and the agility to make big changes. I do believe we have the vision, but is that vision in the right places? Is it in the places of influence and change?"

Debbie Krupski pictured in Gorey harbour. She is wearing a pink T-shirt and a pink scarf. She has a cycle helmet on and is pictured with her bike. — Debbie Krupski describes Gorey as "wonderful" but is worried she will have to leave the island because of the cost of living

Election Information

The general election is scheduled for Sunday, 7 June. Those interested can find the list of candidates standing for deputy in Grouville and St Martin through the official channels.