Legalisation of Documents

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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 (20/07/2009) regarding: Legalisation of Documents - Fee Increase.

Decision Reference: MD-HA-2009-0073
Decision Summary Title :	Legalisation of documents fee increase		Date of Decision Summary:	1st July 2009
Decision Summary Author:	Head of Customs & Immigration Service		Decision Summary: Public or 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 :	Legalisation of documents fee increase		Date of Written Report:	1st July 2009
Written Report Author:	Head of Customs & Immigration Service		Written Report : Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Subject: Increase of the fee for the legalisation of documents.
Decision(s): The Minister approved an increase in the fee for the legalisation of documents from £20 to £21 with effect from the 27th July 2009.
Reason(s) for Decision: Historically the fee for documents legalised in Jersey was aligned to the equivalent fee in the UK. However in June 2007 the UK fee increased from £19 to £27 and now stands at £28. In 2007 Ministerial approval was given to decouple the pricing structure from the UK thus making the Jersey service considerably cheaper. The Jersey fee has not been increased since June 2007 but costs continue to rise and the very modest increase from £20 to £21 (5% over 2 years) is deemed to be reasonable for the work and resources required to offer the service. The increase is compliant with Financial Direction 4.1 ‘Increases in States Fees and Charges’ which limits increases to 2.5% per annum.
Resource Implications: No manpower resources. Increased fee to be used to offset cost of service provision.
Action required: The Head of Customs and Immigration Service to implement the increase and place a notice in the Jersey Gazette.
Signature:		Position: Minister for Home Affairs
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):