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

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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 2 October 2010 regarding: States tenants - service charges.

Decision Reference: MD-H-2009-0091
Decision Summary Title :	DS – Changes to States Tenants Service Charges in January 2010		Date of Decision Summary:	2nd November 2009
Decision Summary Author:	John Hamon		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:	N/A
Written Report Title :	Changes to Service Charge Levels for States Tenants in January 2010		Date of Written Report:	28th October 2009
Written Report Author:	Jason English		Written Report : Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Subject: To approve changes to the level of service charges for utilities paid by States Tenants
Decision(s): The Minister approved the following changes to service charges, subject to the approval of the Minister for Treasury & Resources:- An decrease of 5.1% in the charge for electricity based heating and hot water An increase of 15% in the charges levied for Gas Heating and Hot Water All changes to take effect from 4th January 2010.
Reason(s) for Decision: To ensure that charges accurately reflect the actual costs associated with providing the services following the recent changes to prices charged by the respective utility companies.
Resource Implications: Financial: Nil – Impact of changes should maintain cost neutrality for revenue budget
Action required: Finance Director to notify Treasury & Resources to ensure approval is granted under Financial Direction 4.1 and to request the Treasury and Resources Minister’s approval for the Department to pass on subsequent increases in excess of 2.5% where such increases are driven by changes to the prices levied by the utility companies. Finance Director to notify Social Security Department in respect of the impact on Income Support
Signature:		Position: MINISTER
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):