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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 25 February 2011.

Decision Reference: MD-T-2011-0021
Decision Summary Title:	Comments on P20/2011: Green Waste from Commercial Operators: Introduction of Charge		Date of Decision Summary:	24 February 2011
Decision Summary Author:	Acting Director of Waste		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Oral		Person Giving Oral Report:	Acting Director of Waste
Written Report Title:	N/A		Date of Written Report:
Written Report Author:	N/A		Written Report : Public or Exempt?
Subject: Comments on P20/2011: Green Waste from Commercial Operators: Introduction of Charge
Decision(s): The Minister approved the comments on P20/2011: Green Waste from Commercial Operators: Introduction of Charge.
Reason(s) for Decision: To enable the Minister’s comments on P20/2011: Green Waste from Commercial Operators: Introduction of Charge to be presented to the States.
Resource Implications: There are no further financial or manpower implications.
Action required: Greffier of the States to be requested to present attached comments to the States at the earliest opportunity and prior to debate of P20/2011 at the sitting commencing 01 March 2011.
Signature:		Position:
Date Signed:		Date of Decision:

Green Waste from Commercial Operators: Introduction of Charge P.20/2011 - Comments of the Minister for Transport and Technical Services

Comments on P20/2011: Green Waste from Commercial Operators: Introduction of Charge

The Transport and Technical Services Department does not support Deputy Le Claire’s proposition to charge for commercial green waste.

The Department has worked very hard in recent years to meet the key deliverables and targets set out in the Solid Waste Strategy approved by the States in 2005. The green waste composting operation is an important form of recycling and the Department has been successful in meeting its targets, approximately 12% of the total non-inert waste arising and which compares well with European countries. This has achieved two main objectives: it has provided sustainability, by recycling organic matter to the soil, and has also reduced the quantity of biodegradable waste that has to be disposed of by incineration.

The Department believes that the introduction of any new Waste charge should be based on a sound science and with the explicit purpose of bringing about a change that will benefit the environment. In this sense the ability of the charge to raise revenue is a secondary consideration although the re-application of such revenues to support behavioral changes is also an important function.

The Department is committed to reviewing its commercial waste disposal charges in 2011 to ensure that whatever charging mechanisms are proposed are applied with the intent of reducing the overall level of waste generated.

Minister for Transport and Technical Services