Prison Horticulture Project: Budget transfer from Home Affairs to Property Holdings

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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 18 May 2012:

Decision Reference: MD-HA-2012-0043
Decision Summary Title :	Budget Transfer to Jersey Property Holdings		Date of Decision Summary:	14 May 2012
Decision Summary Author:	Finance Director Home Affairs		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:	n/a
Written Report Title :	Budget Transfer to Jersey Property Holdings – Prison Horticulture Area		Date of Written Report:	14 May 2012
Written Report Author:	Finance Director/Prison Governor		Written Report : Public or Exempt?	Exempt 3.2.1 (a) (x) and (xiv)
Subject: Transfer of a budget from the Home Affairs Department to Jersey Property Holdings.
Decision(s): The Minister agreed, in principle, a budget transfer of up to £55,000 from the Home Affairs Department’s revenue head of expenditure to a JPH capital head of expenditure to provide for the shortfall in funding for the Prison Horticulture Project.
Reason(s) for Decision: In November 2011 the Minister signed MD-HA-2011-0084 agreeing a budget transfer of £415,000 from the Home Affairs Department’s revenue head of expenditure to a JPH capital head of expenditure to provide for the provision of new teaching facilities and alterations within the horticulture area as part of the Prison Redevelopment Masterplan. Planning permission has been granted but further to the introduction of new byelaws, officers from JPH have advised that the revised proposal has increased the projected cost. JPH is therefore seeking a further £55,000 before officers commence the tender process. The actual amount will be confirmed after tenders have been received and evaluated and funds transferred before the preferred tender is accepted by JPH. It is necessary to have the Horticulture Facility up and running as soon as possible in order to minimise the impact on vocational training opportunities and the Prison’s income stream.
Resource Implications: The JPH Prison Redevelopment capital head of expenditure to increase by up to £55,000 and the Home Affairs Department revenue head of expenditure to decrease by an identical amount. This decision does not change the total amount of expenditure approved by the States.
Action required: The Minister to seek the approval of the Minister for Treasury and Resources in accordance with Financial Direction 3.6 – Variations to Heads of Expenditure (Treasurer’s Delegation).
Signature:		Position: Minister for Home Affairs
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):