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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 15 June 2012:

Decision Reference: MD-E-2012- 0070
Decision Summary Title:	Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) – Transfer of £205,000 of restructuring provision to the Economic Development Department		Date of Decision Summary:	12 June 2012
Decision Summary Author:	Strategic Policy Manager		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:	N/A
Written Report Title:	Restructure Bid for Jersey Business – Integration of Jersey Business Venture with Jersey Enterprise		Date of Written Report:	12 June 2012
Written Report Author:	Strategic Policy Manager		Written Report : Public or Exempt?	Public
Subject: Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) – Transfer of £205,000 of restructuring provision to the Economic Development Department.
Decision(s): The Minister approved a non-recurring budget transfer in 2012 of £205,000 from the Treasury and Resources (T&R) Restructuring Provision to the Economic Development Department. This decision is associated with the Treasury and Resources decision MD-T-2012-0052.
Reason(s) for Decision: The States recognised the need to invest funds to achieve savings as significant as £65 million over 3 years when it approved a Restructuring Provision of £6 million and £10 million in the 2011 and 2012 budgets respectively and the draft Medium Term Financial Plan has initially earmarked £8.1 million in the 2013 Budget. This current request for a total of £678,300 over the next 2 years for five projects in four departments, which is supported by the Council of Ministers, will ensure CSR projects are progressed and achieved. Article 2(6) of the Public Finances (Transitional Arrangements) (Jersey) Order 2011 states that all or any part of the amount appropriated by a head of expenditure may, with the approval of the Minister for Treasury and Resources, be used for the purposes of another head of expenditure.
Resource Implications: The T&R revenue head of expenditure to decrease by £205,000 in 2012 and the Economic Development Department to increase by an identical amount. This decision does not change the total amount of expenditure approved by the States.
Action required: Head of Decision Support to advise Finance Director – Corporate Group and Director – Financial Planning and Performance to notify the T&R Head of Financial Management, Accounting and Reporting that this decision has been approved.
Signature: Senator AJH Maclean		Position: Minister for Economic Development
Date Signed:		Date of Decision:

Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR): Budget Transfer: Restructuring Provision: Jersey Business - Integration of Jersey Business Venture with Jersey Enterprise

Restructure Bid for Jersey Business

Integration of Jersey Business Venture and Jersey Enterprise

In early 2011, the Minister for Economic Development made a policy decision, as part of his Department’s CSR savings to integrate Jersey Business Venture and Jersey Enterprise’s On-Island functionality to form a single independent and confidential business information, advice and support service – ‘Jersey Business’.

As part of the integration, funding was requested from the Restructuring Provision to cover the initial set up costs for Jersey Business including the accommodation fit out, IT and telephony infrastructure. In addition, funding was sought for legacy costs to cover Jersey Business Venture liabilities such as redundancy payments, rent, and professional indemnity insurance and winding up the Association. The liabilities will also include staff costs to run the Jersey Business Venture office until such time as Jersey Business is established and the executive are in situ.

The following table outlines the costs associated with the integration:

	£
JBV liabilities	60,000
Accommodation fit out	50,000
IT, Telephony & Website	48,500
Branding	12,000
Company Formation	150
Recruitment	24,000
Estate Agent & other professional fees	6,000
Communications & Marketing	4,000
Total Project Costs	204,650

As part of the overall offering, it is anticipated that the savings to the States is likely to be in the region of £150,000 per annum, and potentially higher as the entity grows its income stream.