DVS transfer to Transport and Technical Services

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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 (09.03.06) to agree to the draft legislation to enable the proposed transfer of political responsibility for the Driver and Vehicle Standards Department to the Minister for Transport and Technical Services.

Subject:	Driver and Vehicle Standards (DVS): Transfer to Transport and Technical Services
Decision Reference:	MD-C-2006-0012		Exempt clause(s):	n/a
Type of Report: (oral or written)	Written		Person Giving Report (if oral):	-
Telephone or e-mail Meeting?	-		Report File ref:	-
Written report – Title	Driver and Vehicle Standards: Transfer to Transport and Technical Services
Written report – Author (name and job title)	Jeremy Harris, Policy Adviser
Decision(s): To agree that draft legislation to enable the proposed transfer of political responsibility for the Driver and Vehicle Standards Department (DVS) to the Transport and Technical Services Minister should be lodged ‘au Greffe’ on 14th March 2006. To agree that copies of the draft legislation and covering report should be forwarded to the Ministers for Home Affairs and Transport and Technical Services for their information prior to being lodged ‘au Greffe’.
Reason(s) for decision: The States agreed in October 2005 to support the proposed transfer of political responsibility for DVS on the grounds that this transfer would yield significant benefits. These included the practical benefits to be derived from DVS working alongside colleagues in Transport and Technical Services who already have an expertise in technical and transport matters. In addition, it was felt that it was logical for DVS to come under the umbrella of Transport and Technical Services, given that DVS’ work is centred entirely on on-Island transport matters
Action required: JH to arrange for copies of the draft legislation and covering report to be forwarded to the Ministers for Home Affairs and Transport and Technical Services, and to arrange with the States Greffe for the draft legislation and covering report to be lodged ‘au Greffe’ on 14th March, with a view to the matter being debated by the States of 25th April 2006.
Signature: Deputy Chief Minister		Date of Decision: