Friday, March 6, 2009

Household Expenditure Survey being carried out

The Statistical Institute of Belize is in the process of conducting their 2008 Household Expenditure Survey (HES) across the country of Belize. And, if you have had a visit by surveyors on the island then you would be providing them with valuable information.
HES seeks to collect information on household’s spending patterns which have changed since the last survey conducted in 1991. The survey collects data and much information on food and non-food expenditures, income, production and consumption.
With the data gathered, the Statistical Institute will construct a new basket of goods and services that which in turn will be used to measure the rate of inflation in Belize. The present basket is 17 years old and does not accurately reflect current consumer consumption. This information is used by trade unions and employers when negotiating wage and salary adjustments. It will also be used to revise, update and expand the scope of the national accounts statistics produced in the household sector.
All information provided will be held in the strictest of confidence. The results of the survey will only be used for statistical purposes and will be published at an aggregated level, making it impossible for anyone to identify the information of your household or its members. All officers carry an official identification card which bears their name and signature.
Being carried out under the Statistical Institute of Belize Act, No. 9 of 2006, surveys are authorized to conduct these interviews. This survey will take a two-week period to be completed and an interviewer may visit your home over a span of approximately five times. You will also be requested to maintain a diary of your purchases for 14 consecutive days.
Should you have any questions, kindly contact the Statistical Institute of Belize at 822-2207/2352.