Rural Initiative Scheme: Recapitalisation

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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 on 29 September 2020

Decision Reference: MD-E-2020-0042
Decision Summary Title :	Rural Initiative Scheme - Recapitalisation		Date of Decision Summary:	21/09/20
Decision Summary Author	Assistant Director Economy		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person giving Oral Report:	n/a
Written Report title :	Rural Initiative Scheme recapitalisation		Date of Written Report:	21/09/20
Written Report author	Assistant Director Economy		Written Report: Public or Exempt?	Public
Subject: Rural Initiative Scheme - Recapitalisation
Decision: The Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture (EDTSC), approved the transfer of £300,000 within the EDTSC Head of Expenditure from underspend to the Rural Initiative Scheme (RIS), in order to recapitalise for projects in 2020.
Reasons for Decision: Provide support for Jersey’s rural businesses to survive the Covid19 crisis and be ready to contribute to the recovery of Jersey’s economy; in terms of: maintaining Jersey’s rural infrastructure and expertise; providing a baseline level of food security; improving productivity and reducing Jersey’s reliance on inward migration of manual labour; maintaining and enhancing skilled local employment in the rural sectors; continuing stewardship of Jersey’s countryside and natural resources; providing local produce for consumption locally and for export; contributing to the wider health of the economy and community.
Resource Implications: Transfer of £300,000 within EDTSC Head of Expenditure
Action required: The Accounting Officer, Economy, to arrange the transfer of funds within the EDTSC Head of Expenditure to the Rural Initiative Scheme.
Signature:		Position: Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture
Date signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed)