Tax Information Exchange Agreement with Swiss Federal Council: Ratification

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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 on 23 October 2013:

Decision Reference: MD-C-2013-0119
Decision Summary Title :	Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of Jersey and the Swiss Federal Council		Date of Decision Summary:	17th October 2013
Decision Summary Author:	Project and Research Officer		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 :	Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of Jersey and the Swiss Federal Council for the Exchange of Information on Tax Matters.		Date of Written Report:	17th October 2013
Written Report Author:	Adviser – External Relations		Written Report : Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Subject: Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of Jersey and the Swiss Federal Council
Decision(s): The Minister for External Relations agreed to lodge ‘au Greffe’ the Report and Proposition inviting the States to ratify the Agreement between the Government of Jersey and the Swiss Federal Council for the Exchange of Information on Tax Matters.
Reason(s) for Decision: The Agreement entered into with the Swiss Federal Council is a continuation of the ongoing programme of signing tax agreements with EU, OECD and G20 member jurisdictions. The Agreement with the Swiss Federal Council was signed by the Chief Minister on the 16th September 2013. The Agreement is now being presented to the States for ratification, following which it will be published and entered into the official record. The Agreement will enter into force when the domestic procedures of both parties have been completed.
Resource Implications: There are no resource implications.
Action required: The Greffier of the States is requested to arrange for the Tax Information Exchange Agreement between the States of Jersey and the Swiss Federal Council to be lodged ‘au Greffe’.
Signature:		Position: Minister for External Relations
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):