Jersey Charity Commissioner: Funding from Jersey Reclaim Fund

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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 22 September 2023:

Decision Reference: MD-CM-2023-626		Public
Subject: Extension of costs provision for Charity Commissioner – Dormant Bank Accounts (Jersey) Law 2017
Report Title: Extension of costs provision for Charity Commissioner – Dormant Bank Accounts (Jersey) Law 2017		Public
Decision(s): The Assistant Chief Minister decided to approve that the costs of the Jersey Charity Commissioner and his office, currently funded from the Jersey Reclaim Fund which holds the balances of dormant bank accounts, should continue for 2024 – 2027 inclusive.
Reason for Decision(s): To ensure the funding remains in place from 1st January 2024, an amendment is required to Article 3(3) of the Dormant Bank Accounts (Distribution of Fund Money) (Jersey) Order 2020 ('the 2020 Order'). Time is required of the Legislative Drafting Office to prepare a short amendment to the 2020 Order to reflect the decision.
Resource Implications: There are no new financial and/or manpower implications.
Action Required: Principal Legislative Drafter to be requested to draft legislation.
Signature:	Signed By: Deputy Elaine Millar
Date Signed:	Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):