The Isle of Man Government is encouraging more people to take part in a survey that will play an important role in policy development.
Data collected during the Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) will help to determine the basket of goods used to measure inflation. It will also be used to calculate the Isle of Man’s indirect tax share under the VAT sharing arrangement with the UK.
As an incentive to participate in the survey, volunteer households are entered into a monthly draw for the chance to win £1,000.
David and Rebecca Griffin from Onchan were chosen at random in the draw for April and decided to share their good fortune by dividing the cheque between the Queen’s Pier Restoration Trust and the Team RL360 Isle of Man Junior Cycling Club.
The Griffins volunteered to take part in the HIES by registering on the Government website. Invitations are also being sent to a random sample of Island households as part of the campaign to encourage a wide cross-section of the Manx public to get involved.
After a short initial interview at their home, participants are required to keep a diary over a two-week period to monitor the entire household’s expenditure. All the information collected is treated in the strictest confidence.
Everyone aged 16 or over who takes part in the survey receives a one-off payment of £15, while participating households are also entered into the £1,000 prize draw.
Mr Griffin said:
‘I take a keen interest in the work of Government and was aware of the survey and the importance of the data being collected. I signed up on gov.im and found the entire process to be simple and straightforward. The interviewer who came to our home was very helpful and it was enlightening to record our household expenditure over a two-week period.’
He added:
‘We kept the receipts for our weekly shop and noted the details of any online purchases. The process wasn’t intrusive at all and I’d recommend to others to volunteer. Winning the prize draw has allowed us to assist two worthy causes that our family has supported for some time.’
The Cabinet Office is looking for more households to participate in the Household Income and Expenditure Survey. Further information is available online or by calling Dr Erin Stepney on +44 1624 685743 or emailing Erin.Stepney@gov.im
Chris Thomas MHK, Minister for Policy and Reform, said: ‘This is an important survey that will provide Government with a clearer picture of household spending to help inform our policy making. As well as making an important civic contribution, volunteer households have about a 1 in 85 chance of winning the £1,000 monthly prize draw.’
