Budget transfer: Information Services

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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 11 December 2012:

Decision Reference: MD-C-2012-0116
Decision Summary Title:	Budget Transfer between Chief Minister’s Department revenue and capital Heads Of Expenditure		Date of Decision Summary:	11th December 2012
Decision Summary Author:	Finance Manager – Corporate Group		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:	N/A
Written Report Title:	Budget Transfer between Chief Minister’s Department revenue and capital Heads Of Expenditure		Date of Written Report:	17th October 2012
Written Report Author:	Finance Manager – Corporate Group		Written Report : Public or Exempt?	Public
Subject: 2012 budget transfer of £350,000 from the Chief Minister’s Department (CMD) revenue head of expenditure to the CMD Information Services IT Policy and Standards capital head of expenditure.
Decision(s): The Minister approved a non-recurring budget transfer in 2012 of £350,000 from the Chief Minister’s Department (CMD) revenue head of expenditure to the CMD Information Services IT Policy and Standards capital head of expenditure.
Reason(s) for Decision: Financial Direction 3.6 ‘Variations to Heads of Expenditure’ states that Departments wanting to transfer funds between heads of expenditure must obtain the approval of their minister or of their accounting officer where a scheme of delegation exists.
Resource Implications: The CMD revenue head of expenditure to decrease by £350,000 and the CMD Information Services IT Policy and Standards capital head of expenditure to increase by an identical amount. This decision does not change the total amount of expenditure approved by the States.
Action required: Finance Manager – Corporate Group to seek the approval of the Minister for Treasury and Resources and, once received, to action the budget transfer in conjunction with T&R.
Signature:		Position: Senator I J Gorst, Chief Minister
Date Signed:		Date of Decision: