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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 23 November 2009 regarding: Social Security Department - Report and Accounts 2008.

Decision Reference: MD-S-2009-0066
Decision Summary Title :	DS – Annual Accounts 2008		Date of Decision Summary:	20 November 2009
Decision Summary Author:	Finance Director		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	n/a		Person Giving Oral Report:	n/a
Written Report Title :	n/a		Date of Written Report:	n/a
Written Report Author:	n/a		Written Report : Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	n/a
Subject: The Social Security Department Report and Accounts 2008.
Decision(s): The Minister approved the Social Security Report and Accounts 2008, which comprise the Social Security Fund, the Social Security (Reserve) Fund and the Health Insurance Fund.
Reason(s) for Decision: The accounts have been audited and the opinion given by the Comptroller and Auditor General is as follows: “ in my opinion, the financial statements give a true and fair view, in accordance with United Kingdom Accounting Standards, of the state of the Funds’ affairs as at 31 December 2008 and of their transactions and cash flow for the year then ended and have been properly prepared in accordance with the Social Security (Jersey) Law 1974 and the Health Insurance (Jersey) Law 1967”.
Resource Implications: None
Action required: The Minister for Social Security to present to the Assembly the Report & Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2008.
Signature:		Position: Minister
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):