Houshold Budgetary Survey (HBS) - Survey of Living Conditions (SLC) 2025
"Tracking Spending, Understanding Living"
Welcome! Help Shape Montserrat's Future Together
What is the HBS/SLC?
The Household Budgetary Survey (HBS) gathers data on household income and spending patterns to understand how families manage their finances. This information helps policymakers and researchers understand spending habits, cost of living, economic well-being, and supports policies to reduce poverty across different population groups.
To make the process easier and more efficient, the HBS is combined with the Survey of Living Conditions (SLC). This combined approach reduces costs and provides a holistic view of both financial and social conditions.
What Will You Be Asked?
Questions will be asked on the expenditure of grocery/food, rent/mortgage, utilities, transportation, medical expenses, entertainment, education, childcare, health, economic activities, social behaviour and more over varying periods.
Process
The survey will mainly be conducted through face-to-face interviews by enumerators (data collectors for the Statistics Department). Each enumerator will carry an official ID signed by the Chief Statistician and use a tablet equipped with Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) software to electronically record responses. They will gather both household and individual information. The recall method will be used to collect data on income and spending by asking respondents to remember their expenses over a specific time period (e.g., past week, month, or year).
To provide accurate responses, respondents are encouraged to:
- Review recent bills and receipts
- Estimate spending patterns
- Consider seasonal expenses (home repair, school etc.)
The SLC/HBS will be conducted over a six-month period, from June to December 2025. During this time, we aim to survey a sample of 860 households across all enumeration districts in Montserrat. This strategic approach is designed to provide an accurate representation of the island’s overall population and living conditions.
Your Privacy is Our Priority
All information collected during this exercise will be strictly confidential according to the Statistics Act. All survey staff including field staff will be sworn to an oath of secrecy. Residents can contact the Statistics Department at +1 (664) 491-3794/7 for any questions, queries or comments.
An enumerator may visit your home soon – please welcome them with open arms! Your participation is key in helping Montserrat fight poverty and build a brighter future.
Spread the word and encourage your family and friends to join in!
Your Voice. Your Spending. Your Future. Be Part of Montserrat’s Progress.
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