Universal Postal Union obligations (FOI)

Request

A

Please would you set out, or point to where relevant information is already in the public domain, the exact nature of, and legal basis for, Jersey's relationship with the Universal Postal Union (UPU); and the process adopted by the Government of Jersey for ensuring that any obligations arising from that relationship, including in respect of burdens on citizens, are kept in view by Ministers and reported by them to the legislature. 

B

Please provide a copy of the brief on this matter prepared in 2022 for incoming members of Moore's first ministry, and exact information on the way in which ministers keep under review Jersey's relationship with the UPU and the implementation of any obligations arising therefrom. Please set out the nature of the entrustment in this regard to Jersey Post Limited and provide copies of reports to ministers it has made in consequence of that since 2017.

Response 

A

The Universal Postal Union (“UPU”) is a United Nations specialised agency and the postal sector’s primary forum for international co-operation. A link to their website can be found below. A link to the Constitution of the UPU can be found on the Government of Jersey website and be accessed via the second link below. The UPU sets the standards by which all international postal unions operate with each other. 

Universal Postal Union (upu.int)

Constitution of the Universal Postal Union (gov.je)

The conditions attached to and the provision of licences for a universal postal service are set out in the Postal Services (Jersey) Law 2004 and can be accessed via the following link. Jersey Post (as with other Crown Dependency postal operators) is a member of the UPU through the United Kingdom’s membership and is recognised as a designated operator. 

Postal Services (Jersey) Law 2004 (jerseylaw.je)

Jersey Post is the Designated Operator for Jersey as recognised by the UPU and provided for in the Postal Services (International) (Jersey) Order 2005. Please see the below link. 

Postal Services (International) (Jersey) Order 2005 (jerseylaw.je)

Obligations arising from membership of the UPU are communicated to the Government of Jersey via the relevant UK Government department. Updates on obligations arising from membership of the UPU are provided, as appropriate, to relevant Ministers. 

B

The Economic Development Minister is responsible for the postal sector and was made aware of the range of his legislative and functional responsibilities upon taking office in 2022. Delivery of the UPU obligations sits with the postal operator Jersey Post and the shareholder relationship with Jersey Post is the functional responsibility of the Treasury Minister. 

The Economic Development Minister is advised when he or she is required to approve for the UPU Acts and amendments to be extended to the Island on the basis there are no issues with compliance, which is common practise when there are such changes to treaties to which the Island is signatory. Advice on compliance is provided by Jersey Post to officers within the Department for the Economy who advise the Minister. The Attorney General confirms that the Island is compliant with the requirements of any additional Protocols and that extension of the Amendments may be formally requested by the Government of Jersey. Once approved by Ministerial Decision, External Relations can then confirm to the UK there should be no issues with compliance.

The Ministerial Decision, outlining amendments to the UPU Convention in February 2022, was published and can be found by using the link below (MD-ETS-2022-82).

Universal Postal Union Convention: Extension to Jersey (gov.je)