Parish Welfare Rates Increase.

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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 (23/08/2006) regarding Increase in Parish Welfare Rates from October 2006.

Subject:	Increase in Parish Welfare Rates from October 2006
Decision Reference:	MD-S-2006-0054		Exempt clause(s):	n/a
Type of Report: (oral or written)			Person Giving Report (if oral):
Telephone or e-mail Meeting?			Report File ref:
Written report – Title	Parish Welfare Rates from October 2006
Written report – Author (name and job title)	Tom Gales Policy and Strategy Director
Decision(s): To increase the scale rate of Welfare payments by 2.9% from October 1st 2006.
Reason(s) for decision: Welfare rates are increased every October at the same time that other benefits are increased. Over many years now the scale rate of welfare has been increased by the percentage increase as the retail prices index as at June. In 2006 the retail price increase was 2.9%. As usual for computation the rates will be rounded to the nearest 5 pence.
Action required: To inform the Treasury and Resources Department, the Comité des Connétables and the Health and Social Services Department of the increase.
Signature: Senator P F Routier - Minister		Date of Decision: 23 August 2006