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The cost of living in Jersey has risen by 4.5% in the past year.

The latest official figures from the States Statistics Unit show the rising price of food, motoring and housing were key contributors.

The figures say the increase in the Goods and Services Tax in June from 3% to 5% also pushed costs up.

The change in the Retail Prices Index during the year to March 2010 was 3.1%, meaning the annual rate of inflation rose by 1.4% in the last quarter.

The average cost of a weekly food shop has gone up by 6% with cereals, fish, processed fruit and fats all rising by more than 10% while potatoes and meat cost a little less than last year.