Andium Homes: Provision of Carpets: Amendment of the Minister for Social Security

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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 5 June 2023:

Decision Reference: MD-SOSEC-2023-353		Public
Subject: P.34/2023 Amendment to Provision of carpets in Andium Homes properties.
Report Title: P.34/2023 Amendment to Provision of carpets in Andium Homes properties.		Public
Decision(s): The Minister for Social Security decided to request the Greffier of the States to arrange for an Amendment to P.34/2023 Provision of carpets in Andium Homes properties to be lodged 'au Greffe'.
Reason for Decision(s): The Amendment, if passed, would bring forward the start date of the proposed changes from September 2023 to July 2023, as well as acknowledging that this is a temporary solution while the review set out in part (b) of P.34/2023 is undertaken and changes implemented. The Amendment also removes part (a)(ii) of the proposition, which would set a dangerous and difficult precedent. The Amendment of part (b) will ensure that the review covers all social housing providers and that the Minister for Housing and Communities will also participate in the review.
Resource Implications: The overall cost of providing grants instead of loans to Income Support tenants in Andium properties will add cost to the existing Income Support budget. The half year additional cost is estimated as a minimum of £50,000 but the total spend is likely to be higher as tenants take up the offer of free carpets. This cost will be met from the existing Income Support budget for 2023. The reviews will be undertaken using existing resources.
Action Required: Officers to request the Greffier of the States to arrange for the item(s) to be presented to the States Assembly.
Signature:	Signed By: Minister for Social Security
Date Signed:	Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):