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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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 8 February 2021

Decision Reference: MD-E-2021-0006
Decision Summary Title	Approval of Fixed Costs Support Scheme and Guidance	Date of Decision Summary	5th February 2021
Decision Summary author	Associate Director, Financial Services	Decision Summary: Public or exempt?	Public
Written Report title	Approval of Fixed Costs Support Scheme and Guidance	Date of Written Report	5th February 2021
Written Report author	Associate Director, Financial Services	Written Report: Public or exempt?	Public
Subject: Approval of Fixed Costs Support Scheme (FCSS) and Guidance.
Decision: Noting the obligations on Accountable Officers under Article 39(1)(b) of the Public Finances (Jersey) Law 2019, the Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture instructed the Accountable Officer to implement the Fixed Cost Support Scheme as set out in the attached Guidance. This follows approval by the Economic Recovery Political Oversight Group on 5th February 2021 of the scheme guidance, business case and allocation economic recovery funding for this purpose. It also follows a decision by the Competent Authorities Ministers to establish the FCSS for which the Director General Economy will be the Accountable Officer.
Reasons for Decision: The FCSS has been created to assist business that have been required to close as a result of Covid-related health measures or that have had restricted trading. The scheme’s objectives are: To effectively secure Jersey’s economic infrastructure To provide equitable support across sectors where trade has been and / or continues to be materially affected by prevailing public health measures To support the diversity of local businesses comprising our island economy recognising the significant prevalence of small business and, in particular, ‘micro businesses’ within our economic make-up To secure employment of islanders in order to enhance the economic recovery and aims to reduce the numbers of islanders Actively Seeking Work To limit consequential business failures across other business sectors GP21-CSP3-C-01 of the 2021-2024 Government Plan assigned £15.5 million to support the economic recovery. Allocations of this fund is subject to the approval of the Economic Recovery Political Oversight Group and Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture.
Resource Implications: The Scheme is estimated to cost £9,532,000 based on current expectations of the eligible businesses being able to open in line with the Covid-19 Winter Strategy.
Action required: The Associate Director, Financial Services, to ensure that the Guidance is published on gov.je, and to inform the Director General, Economy, of the decision to implement the scheme as soon as possible.
Signature: Senator Lyndon Farnham		Position: Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture
Date signed:		Date of Decision (If different)