Rural Economy Strategy 2011-2015 White Paper: Ministerial Response to Scrutiny Report

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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 November 2010 regarding the presentation of a ministerial response to the Scrutiny Review of the Rural Economy Strategy 2011-2015 White Paper

Decision Reference:

MD-E-2010-0194

Decision Summary

Title :

Rural Economy Strategy 2011-2015: Sustaining and Growing the Rural Economy.

Date of Decision Summary:

23/11/10

Decision Summary Author:

Research Officer

Decision Summary:

Public or Exempt?

(If 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:

Rural Economy Strategy 2011-2015.Scrutiny Panel: Rural Economy Strategy Sub-Panel

Date of Written

Report:

23 November 2010

Written Report Author:

Director, Environmental Management and Rural Economy.

Written Report :

Public or Exempt?

(If Exempt State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)

Public

Subject: Response to the Scrutiny Rural Economy Strategy Sub-Panel report on the RES 2011-2015 White Paper.

Decision(s):

The Minister for Economic Development presents his response to the Rural Economy Strategy Sub-Panel report to the States.

Reason(s) for decision:

An Economic Affairs Scrutiny Sub-Panel: the Rural Economy Strategy Sub-Panel was established to consider the Rural Economy Strategy 2011-2015. Subsequent to calling upon the industry for evidence and once in receipt of the RES 2011-2015 White Paper, the Sub-Panel, in conjunction with an external adviser responded with a series of findings and recommendations to which the Minister is obliged to respond.

Resource Implications: None.

Action required: To provide the Chair of the Rural Economy Strategy Sub-Panel, the Council of Ministers and States Members with the Ministers response to the Sub-Panels Findings and Recommendations.

To request the Greffier of the States to present the response to the States at the earliest opportunity.

Signature:

SENATOR ALAN MACLEAN

Position:

Minister for Economic Development

Date Signed:

Date of Decision:

Rural Economy Strategy 2011-2015 White Paper: Ministerial Response to Scrutiny Report

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Commencement of public consultation on

Rural Economy Strategy 2011-2015:

Sustaining and Growing the Rural Economy

19 November 2010

Purpose of the Report

The current Rural Economy Strategy (RES) is a five-year strategy. It is designed to grow the rural economy in line with the objectives of the States Strategic Plan, whilst safeguarding Jersey’s countryside, its character and the environment. The RES recognises that economic sustainability of the rural sector depends on also providing positive environmental and social benefits.

The current RES was adopted until 31 December 2010 and specified that the strategy would be reviewed, to gauge if desired outcomes had been achieved and if the current policies are adequate and appropriate, with the objective of bringing forward a new five-year RES for 2011 to 2015. This process included the production of both Green and White Papers for consultation: ensuring that the changing needs and requirements of the Island’s rural economy are reflected and accommodated from 2011 onwards.

Following consideration of the findings and recommendations to the Rural Economy Strategy 2011-2015 White Paper, the Minister for Economic Development would like to publish his formal response.

Background

The States of Jersey, adopting a proposition of the Economic Development Committee, referred to their Act dated 7th July 2004, in which they approved the Fiscal Strategy and agreed that a target for economic growth of 2% per annum should be set for the period 2005 to 2009. The Economic Development Committee was requested, in conjunction with other Committees as necessary, to bring forward, for approval by the States, a strategy for the delivery of this growth by February 2005; and referred to the 2005-2010 States Strategic Plan Objective 1.2.3 To develop a strategy which will explore and promote new opportunities for the rural economy, Objective 4.1.3 To protect and promote Jersey’s environment as one of its most important assets, and Objective 1.3.1 To reduce unnecessary regulation and bureaucracy in the Island.

The resulting five year Rural Economy Strategy 2005 is now up for review and will be superseded by a revised Rural Economy Strategy 2011-2015.

The Rural Economy Strategy2011-2015, with its triple bottom line of profit, people and environment, proposes a balance of support to the industry and keepers of our Island environment, to ensure sustainable development in the countryside. It builds on the RES 2005 and has broadened the remit of the original 2005 strategy to include areas not previously addressed: e.g. consideration of fisheries issues, the importance of skills development and the need for greater protection for soil and water.

Recommendation

The Rural Economy Strategy is a joint strategy between Economic Development and Planning and Environment and is endorsed by Ministers from each department.

The Minister for Economic Development is in a position to present his response to the Rural Economy Strategy Sub-Panel’s report. The response will be presented to the Chair of the Sub-Panel, the Council of Ministers and States Members, so that it may be published and circulated to the media in accordance with recognised protocols for media release relating to matters presented to the States.

Written by:	Director Environmental Management and Rural Economy

Approved by:	CEO Economic Development

19 November 2010