Approval of expenditure to modernise 2 The Denes

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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 (31.01.07) to approve the expenditure to modernise 2 The Denes, a H.E. Le Seelleur Trust Property.

Subject:	Approval of expenditure to modernise No. 2 The Denes, a H E Le Seelleur Trust Property.
Decision Reference:	MD-HSS-2007-0013			Exempt clause(s):
Type of Report: (oral (O) or written (W))	Written.
Telephone or email meeting?		Person giving report (if oral):
Written Report title:	No. 2 The Denes – Approval of Expenditure
Name of Author:	Mr M Le Fevre, Director of Estates and Hotel Services.
Date of Report:	25th January 2007				Report File ref:
Decision(s): The Minister approved the expenditure of £65,080 to modernise No. 2 The Denes and to utilise the H E Le Seelleur Trust to fund the project.
Reason(s) for decision: Expenditure of over £25,000 requires the approval of the Minister.
Action required: Director of Estates and Hotel Services to transfer expenditure of £65,080 for modernisation of No. 2 The Denes to the H E Le Seelleur Trust Fund.
Signature:			Date of Decision:

Approval of expenditure to modernise 2 The Denes

STATES OF JERSEY

HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT

Estates Management and Hotel Services

No. 2 The Denes – Approval of Expenditure

1. Background

1.1 No. 2 The Denes is a three bedroomed mid terrace house and is part of the property portfolio bequeathed to the States by the Late Mr H E Le Seelleur. The States Assembly at its sitting of 3rd June 1997 approved the properties shall be administered by the then Health and Social Services Committee.

1.2 The property was vacant in September 2002 when it was agreed that modernisation was required before re-letting could take place. Due to lack of funds at the time it was not possible to carry out the required work immediately.

2. Present

2.1 Due to the need to re-house a particular family it was decided to reprioritise funding in the H E Le Seelleur trust fund and to proceed with refurbishment and modernisation of No. 2 The Denes.

2.2 Architects were appointed and the necessary work was negotiated with Peter Green Builders Ltd who has successfully won similar tendered projects with Health and Social Services.

2.3 Final costs have now been formalised which indicate an overall expenditure of £44,803 for building work, £11,870 for removal of asbestos and £8,407 for professional fees. A total cost of £65,080.

2.4 Following refurbishment the rental has been increased from £8,500 per annum to £12,000 per annum.

2.5 Financial regulations require the Minister to approve any expenditure of trust finds in excess of £25,000.

3. Recommendation

The Minister for Health and Social Services is recommended to approve the expenditure of £65,080 to refurbish and modernise No. 2 The Denes, a H E Le Seelleur trust portfolio building, by utilising the H E Le Seelleur trust funds.

Mike Le Fevre

Director of Estates and Hotel Services

25th January 2007