As Bermuda continues to confront the global and local pressures of inflation and affordability, the Ministry of Home Affairs has launched a new survey to invite residents to share their lived experiences to shape national policy.
The Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Alexa Lightbourne, JP, MP, today announced the launch of the Government’s new Cost of Living website, www.costofliving.gov.bm, along with a public feedback survey aimed at gathering insights from residents on their experiences with Bermuda’s high cost of living.
As highlighted last week during the Minister’s post Throne Speech Remarks and House of Assembly Ministerial Statement, this initiative is a pivotal component of the upcoming Cost of Living Summit, designed to unite key stakeholders in developing actionable solutions to alleviate financial pressures on Bermudian families.
Minister Lightbourne said, “The Government of Bermuda remains steadfast in its commitment to tackling the rising cost of living, a challenge that affects every household, business, and community on our island.
“Introducing this engagement mechanism is a clear demonstration that we are committed to taking decisive action informed by data and feedback from members of the public. It's more important than ever to ensure that policy solutions are informed by the lived realities of our people, meeting the moment with honesty, collaboration, and action.
“The Cost of Living website will serve as a central hub for information on government’s cost-of-living initiatives.”
The Public Survey, accessible through the website, invites Bermudians to share their personal experiences with rising costs, their perspectives on affordability challenges, and their recommendations for targeted government action. Responses will directly inform policy development and the Government’s approach to addressing cost drivers such as food prices, energy costs, and housing affordability.
The Ministry also notes that in addition to the Public Survey, a targeted Business Survey is also currently being conducted, and a business-centric focus group has taken place. Both feedback mechanisms have already yielded invaluable insights from stakeholders.