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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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: Health and Social Services: Staff accommodation - rent increases 2009 - 2010.

Decision Reference: MD-HSS-2009-0043
Decision Summary Title :	Staff Accommodation – Rent Increases 2009-2010		Date of Decision Summary:	10 July 2009
Decision Summary Author:	Director of Estates and Hotel Services		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:	-
Written Report Title :	Staff Accommodation – Rent Increases 2009-2010		Date of Written Report:	10 July 2009
Written Report Author:	Director of Estates and Hotel Services		Written Report : Public or Exempt?	Public
Subject: Staff accommodation – rent increases 2009-2010
Decision(s): The Minister approved an increase of staff accommodation rentals for the period 1 June 2009 to 31 May 2010, as detailed on the attached report. (Treasury approval was given to the 5.14% increase requested for one property on 14 October 2009).
Reason(s) for decision: To reduce the subsidised cost of providing staff accommodation.
Resource Implications: None
Action required: Director of Estates to increase accommodation charges as detailed.
Signature:		Position: Minister for Health and Social Services
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):

Ministerial Decision: Health and Social Services: Staff accommodation - rent increases 2009 - 2010

STATES OF JERSEY

HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT

Estates Management and Hotel Services

Staff Accommodation – Rent Increases 2009 - 2010

1. Background

1.1 Ministerial Decision reference MD-HSS-2008-29 confirmed approval to increase Health and Social Services staff accommodation rentals for the period 1st June 2008 to 31st May 2009.

2. Present

2.1 The cost of housing staff including leases, subsidies, servicing, maintenance, and administration was £0 per annum in 2008, compared to an overspend of £176,000 for the previous 12 months.

2.2 Following a review of last years rentals when increases of between 3.2% and 10% were approved it is recommended that cost of living rises of 2.1% are made to rents for most units for the period 1st June 2009 to 31st May 2010, with the exception of Hampton Villa which should rise by 5.14% to catch up with similar properties.

2.3 A review and comparison to both Housing’s and social housing rents and the Social Security ‘Fair Rents’ has been carried out with a view to catching up over the next five years.

Health and Social Services used to subsidise its rental staff accommodation to a level of 10 % below normal Housing rents. However due to the present financial pressures it is now looking to equal the Housing rents. To increase the rents over a one year period would cause a financial burden to staff that would be counter productive and therefore a five year plan has been developed to raise the rents to the higher level over that period.

2.4 Domestic and service charges will be increased by cost of living.

2.5 Utility charges such as electricity, oil, rates etc will be passed on at cost.

2.6 The cost of living increase over the last 12 months has been 2.1% (March 2008 – March 2009).

2.7 Over the last 12 months, the following pay awards have been made to hospital staff: -

a) Civil Servants - 0% from 1st June 2009

b) Medical Staff - Increase linked to UK – 1.5%

c) Nursing Staff - 0% from 1st June, 2009

2.8 Due to one increase being above 2.5% it is necessary to gain approval from the Minister for Finance and Resources.

3. Recommendation

The Minister for Health and Social Services is recommended to approve the staff accommodation rent increases as detailed on the attached schedule for the period 1st June 2009 to 31st May 2010.

(The Minister for Finance and Resources approved the increase of those rents above the rate of 2.5%, in accordance with Financial Direction 4.1, on 14 October 2009).

Mr M Le Fevre

Director of Estates and Hotel Services

10 July, 2009