Appointment of Members of the Fiscal Policy Panel.

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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 (10/09/2007) regarding: Appointment of Members of the Fiscal Policy Panel.

Decision Reference: MD-TR-2007-0091
Decision Summary Title :	Appointment of Members of the Fiscal Policy Panel		Date of Decision Summary:	10/09/07
Decision Summary Author:	Dougie Peedle - Economic Adviser		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 :	Appointment of Fiscal Policy Panel		Date of Written Report:	7/09/07
Written Report Author:	Dougie Peedle, Economic Adviser		Written Report : Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Subject: Appointment of Members of the Fiscal Policy Panel
Decision(s): The Minister agreed that Mr Christopher Allsopp, Ms Marian Bell and Mr Joly Dixon be recommended to the States for appointment to the Fiscal Policy Panel for 3 years.
Reason(s) for Decision: P.133/2006 set out that the Fiscal Policy Panel would be established as part of a new Fiscal Framework. The objectives are that the Framework will lead to a more transparent and credible process for making tax and spending decisions in the Island. It will also help ensure that fiscal policy is set to be more counter-cyclical and therefore maximise the economic potential of the Island, with particular focus on meeting the States inflation target. The Framework incorporates the Stabilisation Fund with the Minister for Treasury and Resources responsible for its operation, but having regard to the advice of a new independent Fiscal Policy Panel (FPP). It was agreed that the FPP will be made up of leading independent economists that can bring together the right mix of experience and skills. The role of the FPP is to publish an annual report in September each year for the Treasury and Resources Minister. As set out in P.133/2006 the States Economic Adviser was responsible for organising the appointment process and making a recommendation to the Treasury and Resources Minister. The process adopted was agreed and overseen by the Jersey Appointments Commission and included advertising nationally in the Economist magazine. Five candidates were selected for interview on 22 and 29 August 2007. The interview panel was unanimous in its recommendation to the Minister that the following three candidates had the most appropriate skills and experience and should be appointed to the Fiscal Policy Panel: Christopher Allsopp CBE Marian Bell CBE Joly Dixon CMG The interview panel also recommended that Joly Dixon should act as Chair of the FPP.
Resource Implications: None (costs to be met from current budgets).
Action required: Officers to arrange for Report & Proposition to be lodged au Greffe.
Signature:		Position: Senator Terry Le Sueur, Treasury and Resources Minister
Date Signed: 10th September 2007		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):