The Central Statistical Office (CSO) is currently in the final phase of the 2025/2026 Survey of Living Conditions and Household Budgetary Survey (CLCHBS).  This critical national exercise is designed to update our poverty profiles and refresh key economic indicators, most notably the Consumer Price Index (CPI), to reflect the modern cost of living.

Why This Survey Matters

Since the last comprehensive survey in 2016, our economy has faced significant shifts.  Your participation directly impacts:

• Inflation Tracking: Ensuring the CPI reflects your actual daily spending habits.

• Policy Design: Identifying vulnerable sectors to improve healthcare, education and poverty reduction.

• Economic Assessment: Measuring the real-world impact of post pandemic recovery and minimum wage reforms.

Survey Logistics

• Timeline: Data collection began in May 2025 and is scheduled to conclude in April, 2026.

• Scope: 1,524 households across the island have been selected to represent our diverse socio-economic landscape.

• Modern Methodology: To ensure accuracy and speed, enumerators are utilizing Computer Assisted Personal Interviews (CAPI) via tablets. 

What Data is Collected?

Selected households will be asked about:

• Daily Expenses A 7 – 30-day recall of food and household purchases.

• Major Expenditure: Costs related to housing, utilities, health and transport.

• Socio-Demographics: Age, education and employment status.

• Income: Detailed household earnings and social protection records. 

Your Privacy and Safety

• Confidentiality: All responses are strictly protected under the Statistics Act. Individual data is never published; only collective statistical trends are shared.

• Verification: All authorized enumerators carry official CSO identification cards.

• Inquiries: To verify an enumerator or ask questions, please contact the CSO by email statsdept@govt.lc

 Thank you for your honesty and for contributing to the progress of Saint Lucia