Social Security (Amendment of Law No.2) (Jersey) Regulations 201-

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

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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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 on 30 Deember 2011:

Decision Reference: MD-S-2011-0106
Decision Summary Title :	DS – Draft Social Security (Amendment of Law No. 2) (Jersey) Regulations 201-		Date of Decision Summary:	28 December 2011
Decision Summary Author:	Policy and Strategy Director		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:	N/A
Written Report Title :	WR - Draft Social Security (Amendment of Law No. 2) (Jersey) Regulations 201-		Date of Written Report:	28 December 2011
Written Report Author:	Policy and Strategy Director		Written Report : Public or Exempt?	Public
Subject: Draft Social Security (Amendment of Law No. 2) (Jersey) Regulations 201-
Decision(s): The Minister decided to lodge ‘au Greffe’ the Draft Social Security (Amendment of Law No. 2) (Jersey) Regulations 201-
Reason(s) for Decision: These regulations amend the Social Security (Jersey) Law 1974. As part of the agreed Fiscal Strategy, a new contribution rate of 2% will be levied on employers and Class 2 contributors in respect of earnings above the current earnings ceiling and up to £150,000 per annum from 1 January 2012. Major changes to the law and subordinate legislation have already been approved through the Social Security (Amendment of Law No. 1) (Jersey) Regulations 201- and a number of Ministerial Orders. These regulations make further minor amendments to the Law and Schedules 1A and 1B to clarify various aspects of the new regime.
Resource Implications: There are no specific resource implications associated with these regulations. The net impact of the increased contributions will be a reduction in the States Grant of approximately £6 million in 2012. There will be a need for increased staffing of up to 5FTE in the short term, in respect of the additional administration of class 2 contributors. The cost of these staff and other administration costs will be met from the Social Security Fund.
Action required: Policy and Strategy Director to request the Greffier of the States to arrange to lodge ‘au Greffe’ the draft legislation and to request a States debate at the earliest opportunity.
Signature:		Position: Minister
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):