Contraceptive Clinics: Fees Increase

Information about the publication of Ministerial Decisions

A formal published “Ministerial Decision” is required as a record of the decision of a Minister (or an Assistant Minister where they have delegated authority) as they exercise their responsibilities and powers.

Ministers are elected by the States Assembly and have legal responsibilities and powers as “corporation sole” under the States of Jersey Law 2005 by virtue of their office and in their areas of responsibility, including entering into agreements, and under any legislation conferring on them powers.

An accurate record of “Ministerial Decisions” is vital to effective governance, including:

demonstrating that good governance, and clear lines of accountability and authority, are in place around decisions-making – including the reasons and basis on which a decision is made, and the action required to implement a decision
providing a record of decisions and actions that will be available for examination by States Members, and Panels and Committees of the States Assembly; the public, organisations, and the media; and as a historical record and point of reference for the conduct of public affairs

Ministers are individually accountable to the States Assembly, including for the actions of the departments and agencies which discharge their responsibilities.

The Freedom of Information Law (Jersey) Law 2011 is used as a guide when determining what information is be published. While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.

A decision made 9 December 2011:

Decision Reference: MD-HSS-2011-0056
Decision Summary Title	Increase in Community Contraceptive Services Fees		Date of Decision Summary:	9 December 2011
Decision Summary Author:	Head of Health Improvement		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:	Andrew Heaven Sarah Howard
Written Report Title :	Proposed Increase in Community Contraceptive Services Fees		Date of Written Report:	28 November 2011
Written Report Author:	Andrew Heaven (Public Health Department)		Written Report : Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Subject: Charges for Community Contraceptive Clinics.
Decision(s): The Minister for Health and Social Services has considered an increase in the proposed fees for the Community Contraception Clinics and decided she would wish to increase the various fees as set out in the report.
Reason(s) for Decision: The proposed increase in service charges will enable the Community Contraceptive Clinics to continue to deliver its service and remain within existing budget limits.
Resource Implications: The income gained from the increased charges will meet the staff and product costs estimated to continue to provide exemptions for Under 23 year olds. Furthermore an annual review of Community Contraception Fees will be undertaken.
Action required: Revised fees will be introduced from the 1st of January 2012
Signature:		Position: Minister for Health and Social Services
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):