States of Jersey Housing Department Policy in Respect of Tenants with Pets.

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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 (10/01/2007) regarding: States of Jersey Housing Department Policy in Respect of Tenants with Pets.

Subject:	States of Jersey Housing Department Policy in Respect of Tenants with Pets
Decision Reference:	MD-H-2006-0083	Exempt clause(s):
Type of Report: (oral or written)	Oral	Person Giving Report (if oral):		N/A
Telephone or e-mail Meeting?	N/A	Report File ref:
Written Report – Title	States of Jersey Housing Department Policy in Respect of Tenants with Pets	Written report - author		Jeremy Dorey, Policy & Strategy Officer
Decision(s): The Minister agreed the States of Jersey Housing Department Policy in Respect of Tenants with Pets
Reason(s) for decision: There is a need to have a clear policy setting out the Department’s position in respect of dealing with applications from Tenants who wish to keep pets.
Resource implications Financial: NIL Manpower: NIL Property: NIL ICT: NIL Law Drafting: NIL
Action required:
Signature: (Minister/ Assistant Minister)			Date of Decision: 10 January 2007

States of Jersey Housing Department Policy in Respect of Tenants with Pets.

POLICY HD6

STATES OF JERSEY HOUSING DEPARTMENT

POLICY IN RESPECT OF TENANTS WITH PETS

1. Introduction

The Minister for Housing is committed to ensuring that tenants enjoy the best quality of life possible and is acutely aware that amongst those tenants there are those who will want to keep pets.

To ensure that these desires are not unreasonably hindered and that pets being housed in States rental homes are appropriate do not interfere with the quality of life of other tenants and close neighbours, the Department has adopted this Policy.

Exemptions

The standard tenancy agreement permits that any tenant may keep one cat and/or up to two caged birds, without seeking permission from the Department. This is to be maintained.

Policy

Any tenant wishing to keep a pet which is not provided for in 2 above, shall be required to apply for permission to keep the animal from the Department. This shall be done in writing, application forms for this purpose shall be provided as part of each new tenancy pack, at the customer service centre and on request. (Form H6)

Each application must be supported by written confirmation from the JSPCA that what is intended is appropriate in animal welfare terms. The JSPCA will interview the applicant, and make a home visit. If satisfied, the Society will provide written confirmation for the tenant to submit to the Housing Department to support their application. To help cover their costs, the JSPCA will ask the applicant to make a voluntary donation.

Notwithstanding whether approval has been given by the JSPCA, permission to keep the animal will be withheld in the event that the tenant concerned has unmanaged rent arrears.

Effective Date

The policy shall become active on the date on which the respective Ministerial Decision was signed by the Minister.

Policy Drafted	28th December 2006	J Dorey Policy & Strategy Officer

Policy Reviews	Date	Reviewed By