Transport and Technical Services: Fees and Charges: 2015 Increases (Excluding Jersey Car Parks)

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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 17 November 2014:

Decision Reference: MD-T-2014-0116
Decision Summary Title :	Transport and Technical Services – 2015 Departmental Increases to Fees and Charges		Date of Decision Summary:	29 October 2014
Decision Summary Author:	Senior Management Accountant - Compliance		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:	N/A
Written Report Title :	Transport and Technical Services – 2015 Departmental Increases to Fees and Charges		Date of Written Report:	29 October 2014
Written Report Author:	Senior Management Accountant - Compliance		Written Report : Public or Exempt?	Public
Subject: Transport and Technical Services – 2015 Departmental Increases to Fees and Charges (excluding Jersey Car Parks)
Decision(s): The Minister approved the increases to the Department’s fees and charges as set out in the attached schedule, (subject to permission from the Minister for Treasury and Resources) to increase above RPI(X) as at September 2015 in order to meet the income obligation set out in the Medium Term Financial Plan 2013-2015.
Reason(s) for Decision: To enable the Department to increase its fees and charges by 2.5% from 01 January 2015 in line with the increased income assumptions as per the Medium Term Financial Plan 2013-2015 in order to meet cash limits and ensure cost recovery. This Ministerial Decision excludes the charges for Jersey Car Parks which will be under a separate Ministerial Decision.
Resource Implications: The additional income as a result of the proposed increases to fees and charges has been included within the income estimates in the Medium Term Financial Plan for 2013-2015.
Action required: Request permission from the Minister for Treasury and Resources and when approved the Finance Director to arrange for the Department’s fees and charges to be advertised.
Signature:		Position:
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):

Transport and Technical Services: Fees and Charges: 2015 Increases (Excluding Jersey Car Parks)

Transport and Technical Services

2015 DEPARTMENTAL INCREASES to Fees and Charges

Purpose of Report

The Minister for Transport and Technical Services is asked to approve a request to increase the Department’s various fees and charges for 2015 (a schedule of charges is attached as Appendix A).

Discussion

The majority of the proposed increases have been limited to 2.5% per annum in line with income assumptions as per the Medium Term Financial Plan 2013-2015 in order to meet cash limits and ensure cost recovery. FD 4.1 “Increases in States Fees and Charges” states that “The prior approval of the Minister for Treasury and Resources to increase an existing fee or charge WILL NOT be required where the average increase in the fee or charge does not exceed the lesser of 2.5% per annum compounded or RPI(X) over the relevant period.” The RPI(X) at September 2014 was 2.1% however, the departmental cash limit has been calculated based on an assumed increase of 2.5% in line with Treasury requirements. As such, although the proposed increases are in line with the 2.5% cap, the permission of the Minister for Treasury and Resources will still be required prior to implementation of the changes.

In addition, it is proposed that the following fees and charges are not increased by a straight 2.5% for the reasons detailed below.

Composters plus Caddy (each) minimum order 10 (only sold to garden nurseries) 4 x 40 litre bags compost to remain at 2014 prices.

No Increase

Maintain at 2014 prices to encourage sales.

Motor cycles (CBT)

Increased as per agreement September RPI(Y) 1.8%

There is an agreement that the fee for CBT will increase each January by RPI(Y) as at the previous September. The September 2014 RPI(Y) is 1.8%

International driving permits

Issued by the parish.

All other Driver and Vehicle Charges

Roundings

These have been rounded to the nearest 5p to assist with cash handling.

The fees and charges for Jersey Car Parks have not been included as part of this Ministerial Decision but will be brought to the Minister for consideration as a separate report.

In accordance with Finance Direction No.4.1 Increases in States Fees and Charges, all increases to charges above 2.5% require the approval of the Minister for Treasury and Resources. The Treasurer of the States can approve increases to States charges under his delegated powers, where those increases are non-contentious.

Recommendation

That the Minister approves increases to the fees and charges for 2015 as laid out in the attached Appendix A. That the Minister requests the Finance Director to arrange for the Department’s fees and charges to be advertised on the States Website Gov.Je and to be available on request from the department following the approval of the Minister for Treasury and Resources.

Reason for Decision

To enable the Department to increase its fees and charges by 2.5% for 2015 and request permission from the Minister for Treasury & Resources to increase above the RPI(X) as at September 2014 in order to meet the income obligation set out in the Medium Term Financial Plan 2013-2015.

Resource Implications

The additional income as a result of the proposed increases to fees and charges has been included within the income estimates in the Medium Term Financial Plan for 2013-2015.

Action Required

Request permission from the Minister for Treasury and Resources and when approved the Finance Director to arrange for the Department’s fees and charges to be advertised.

Written by:	Senior Management Accountant
Approved by:	Director of Finance
Attachments:	Appendix A