Removals Allowance Policy.

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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 (03/10/2007) regarding: Removals Allowance Policy.

Decision Reference: MD-H-2007-0063
Decision Summary Title :	DS – HD24 Removals Allowance Policy		Date of Decision Summary:	13 September 2007
Decision Summary Author:	Dominique Caunce – Director of Tenant Services		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Oral		Person Giving Oral Report:	Carl Mavity
Written Report Title :			Date of Written Report:
Written Report Author:			Written Report : Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)
Subject: A policy to set out the criteria and level of allowance for those tenants having to move to facilitate a refurbishment or redevelopment.
Decision(s): The Minister approved Policy HD24 - Removals Allowance Policy.
Reason(s) for Decision: To ensure a robust and transparent policy exists in respect of Removal Allowances for States tenants.
Resource Implications: Financial: Approx £1200 per tenant
Action required: Director of Tenant Services to ensure that all Removals Allowances granted to tenants adhere to Policy HD24 Removals Allowance Policy.
Signature:		Position: Minister
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):

Removals Allowance Policy.

POLICY HD24

STATES OF JERSEY HOUSING DEPARTMENT

REMOVAL ALLOWANCE POLICY

The Policy

This Policy has been set out in order to ensure a fair and consistent approach to the awarding of removals allowances to any tenant being required to move to facilitate a refurbishment or redevelopment programme. The Policy will also set out a number of other agreements which equally apply in these cases.

To clarify, where a tenant is described as a “good tenant”, this is a tenant who has looked after their home to date and has either no rent arrears or, if they have had arrears, they have adhered to an agreed repayment plan for a period in excess of six months.

Tenants in Rental Arrears

Any tenant being required to move to facilitate a refurbishment or redevelopment programme, regardless of whether or not they have rent arrears, will be entitled to a removals allowance.

Option to Return

Tenants being required to move to facilitate a refurbishment or redevelopment programme, who have been “good tenants”, will be offered first refusal on any new units built on the site of their previous home (subject to that new unit matching their needs).

Replication of Medical Adaptations

Where a tenant is being required to facilitate a refurbishment or redevelopment programme, and they have already contributed in the past for a medical adaptation to their home, they will not be asked to contribute towards any new adaptation costs. No tenant should pay for the same adaptation twice in these circumstances.

Financial Removal Grants

The following grants will be payable to any tenant being required to move on the grounds of a refurbishment or redevelopment programme:-

Bedsit	£200
One Bed	£500
Two Bed	£400
Three Bed For every extra room	£500 + £50

Carpet Costs

All tenants being required to facilitate a refurbishment or redevelopment programme will qualify to take advantage of a discounted rate for the fitting of carpets to their new home, on the basis that they choose one of the firms listed on the attached Schedule.

In addition, where the Department has a new build of one bedroom units, which will predominantly be used for tenants being decanted from another Estate, the units will come with carpets already fitted, at no cost to the new tenant. Where possible, the new tenant will be given some options in respect of colour.

At the discretion of the Housing Department, low income tenants over the age of 60yrs, who are moving to facilitate a refurbishment or redevelopment, will also be offered the option of having carpets fitted in their new home, paid for by the Department.

Removal Costs

Tenants being required to move to facilitate a refurbishment or redevelopment programme will qualify to take advantage of a discounted rate for a removals company, on the basis that they choose “Good Moves” to carryout their move.

In addition, where the Department has a new build of one bedroom units, which will predominantly be used for tenants being decanted from another Estate, the full cost of removals will be covered by the Housing Department.

Cases where tenants are under the age of 60 years but have medical or other difficulties will be treated on a case by case basis at the discretion of the Housing Department in respect of both carpets and removal costs.

Effective Date

The policy shall become active on the date on which the respective Ministerial Decision was signed by the Minister.

Policy Drafted	September 2007	D Caunce Director of Tenant Services

Policy Reviews	Date	Reviewed By