Government of Jersey

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there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.

[MD-H-2010-0001 HAS BEEN RESCINDED BY MD-H-2010-0013] A decision made 4 February 2010 regarding: Single qualified property classification - suspension of previous ministerial decision MD-H-2010-0001.

Decision Reference: MD-H-2010-0012
Decision Summary Title :	Suspending the introduction of a single qualified property classification		Date of Decision Summary:	3rd February 2010
Decision Summary Author:	Housing Control Manager		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Oral		Person Giving Oral Report:
Written Report Title :			Date of Written Report:
Written Report Author:			Written Report : Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)
Subject: To suspend the introduction of the single qualified property classification as detailed in MD-H-2010-0001.
Decision(s): The Minister decided to suspend the introduction of a single qualified property classification for the foreseeable future in light of the reaction of States Members after Report – R7/2010 entitled “Single Qualified property classification” - was presented to the States on 19th January 2010.
Reason(s) for Decision: The Housing Minister decided to suspend the single qualified property classification pending further consultation with the Assistant Housing Minister; the Chief Minister; Senator Ozouf and Officers of the Population Office. In making this decision, the Minister respected and understood the concerns raised by his political colleagues and undertook to revert back to States Members with a decision that satisfied everyone and moved matters forward. In the meantime, he agreed that the decision should be suspended and that all Housing consents granted under the Housing (Jersey) Law 1949, as amended should be processed under previous policy, i.e. policies that were in effect immediately prior to 19th January 2010.
Resource Implications: None
Action required: a) Letter to all Agents and Lawyers advising of decision. b) All Housing consents granted under the Housing (Jersey) Law 1949, as amended to be issued in line with previous policy until further notice.
Signature: Senator T J Le Main		Position: Housing Minister
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):