Tax Information Exchange Agreement with Hungary: Ratification

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

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there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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

Decision Reference: MD-C-2014-0017
Decision Summary Title :	Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of Jersey and the Government of Hungary on Exchange of Information on Tax Matters		Date of Decision Summary:	29th January 2014
Decision Summary Author:	External Relations Officer		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 :	Ratification of the Agreement between the Government of Jersey and the Government of Hungary on Exchange of Information on Tax Matters		Date of Written Reports:	29th January 2014
Written Report Author:	Adviser – International Affairs		Written Report : Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Subject: Agreement between the Government of Jersey and the Government of Hungary on Exchange of Information on Tax Matters
Decision(s): The Minister for External Relations approved for lodging ‘au Greffe’ a report and proposition inviting the States to ratify the Agreement between the Government of Jersey and the Government of Hungary on Exchange of Information on Tax Matters.
Reason(s) for Decision: The agreement entered into with the Government of Hungary is the continuation of the ongoing programme of signing tax agreements with EU, OECD and G20 member jurisdictions The agreement with the Government of Hungary was signed by Senator Sir Philip Bailhache, Minister for External Relations, on 28th January 2014. The agreement is now being presented to the States for ratification, following which it will be published and entered into the official record. The agreements will enter into force when the domestic procedures of all parties have been completed.
Resource Implications: There are no resource implications.
Action required: The Greffier of the States is requested to arrange to lodge ‘au Greffe’ the aforementioned report and proposition with a view to securing the earliest possible date for debate.
Signature:		Position: Minister for External Relations
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):