Social Security (Amendment of Law No. 8) (Jersey) Regulations 201-

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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 30 May 2014:

Decision Reference: MD-S-2014-0069
Decision Summary Title :	DS Lodge SSL amendment No 8 maternity benefit		Date of Decision Summary:	30 May 2014
Decision Summary Author:	Policy Principal		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:	N/A
Written Report Title :	WR Improvements to Social Security maternity benefit		Date of Written Report:	30 May 2014
Written Report Author:	Policy Principal		Written Report : Public or Exempt?	Public
Subject: Social Security (Amendment of Law No.8) (Jersey) Regulations
Decision(s): The Minister decided to lodge ‘au Greffe’ the Social Security (Amendment of Law No.8) (Jersey) Regulations
Reason(s) for Decision: The Minister decided to lodge the Social Security (Amendment of Law No.8) (Jersey) Regulations to improve the maternity allowance scheme in line with family friendly policies. The amendment of the Law will allow women more flexibility in the time period over which they may claim maternity benefit and provide that Orders can be made to allow some work to be undertaken without ending the maternity allowance period.
Resource Implications: The resource required to deliver these changes will be provided by existing manpower. Improving the flexibility of the benefit will likely increase the duration of claims. In 2013 some 783 claims were initiated and eligible for payment. They had an average duration of 109 days and a total cost of £2,190,600. If the number of claims remained the same but all women took the full 126 days benefit cost to the Social Security Fund would increase to £2,532,300; a total maximum increase of £341,700. The Social Security Fund is currently providing an annual surplus, however the recent Government Actuary review has identified that this is a short term position and recommended that action on the condition of the fund is considered in 2016.
Action required: Policy Principal to request the Greffier of the States to arrange to lodge the Draft Social Security (Amendment of Law No.8) (Jersey) Regulations ‘au Greffe’, to be listed for the States sitting of July 15th 2014.
Signature:		Position: Minister
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):