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

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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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 (27/07/2009) regarding: Student Grants Order - September 2009.

Decision Reference: MD-ESC-2009-0013ESC-2009-0013 SC-2009-0013
Decision Summary Title):	Student Grants Order: September 2009		Date of Decision Summary:	21/7/09
Decision Summary Author:	D Greenwood, Assistant Director – Culture & Lifelong Learning		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:	n/a
Written Report Title:	Education (Discretionary Grants – Amounts) (Jersey) Order 2008: Amendments 2009		Date of Written Report:	21/7/2009
Written Report Author:	D Greenwood, Assistant Director – Culture & Lifelong Learning		Written Report : Public or Exempt?	Public
Subject: Education (Discretionary Grants – Amounts) (Jersey) Order 2008: Amendments.
Decision(s): The Minister determined that the Education (Discretionary Grants – Amounts) (Jersey) Order 2008 should be amended as follows - Amend Section 3 of the Order, to replace “1415” with “1455” Amend Section 4 Para 5a of the Order, to replace “14004” with “14043”. He further instructed the Department – (a) to undertake a comprehensive review of student financial support in 2009/2010 with a view to making more detailed and far-reaching proposals for 2010 entrants; and, (b) to carry out the necessary work in preparation for a possible decision to improve the level of student grants with effect from December 2009, subject to an agreement by the States to support an amendment to the draft Annual Business Plan 2010 in September 2009.
Reason(s) for Decision: The 1999 Education (Jersey) Law empowers the Minister for Education Sport and Culture (through Orders in the States) to make loans and grants to individuals wishing to follow courses of Higher Education. The orders are subject to change each year to reflect changes which the Minister may wish to make with regard to the value of the award or the way grants are assessed or administered. The amendments, which should be put in place by 1st September 2009, take account of: Increased variable tuition fees charged by UK universities The increase in the maximum parental contribution due to the increase in tuition fees.
Resource Implications: The proposed changes to the level of financial support, together with the planned review, can be managed within existing resources.
Action required: Request the Law Draftsman to prepare the necessary amendment to the Order (on the basis of a brief to be prepared by the Department) for subsequent consideration by the Minister.
Signature:		Position: Minister for Education, Sport and Culture
Date Signed:		Date of Decision: