Long-Term Care (Benefits) (Amendment No. 11) (Jersey) Order 2022

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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 2 December 2022:

Decision Reference: MD-SOSEC-2022-762		Public
Subject: Making of: Long-Term Care (Benefits) (Amendment No. 11) (Jersey) Order 2022
Report Title: Long-Term Care (Benefits) (Amendment No. 11) (Jersey) Order 2022		Public
Decision(s): The Minister for Social Security decided to make the Long-Term Care (Benefits) (Amendment No.11) (Jersey) Order.
Reason for Decision(s): This Order will apply an increase of approximately 12 per cent to the main benefit values, recognising increasing wage and operating costs for care providers in Jersey. Care providers are also dealing with the impact of Covid-19, Brexit and the resultant labour market shortage. Domiciliary providers are facing increased costs following the introduction of regulation in this market. This increase is above that available in other areas of government expenditure. The higher rate reflects the specific pressures on the care market and the key role that care providers play in supporting health services. It will also apply an increase of approximately 10.4 per cent to the co-payment level and personal allowance, recognising the care sector’s increased costs in supply of board and lodgings and the impact on the cost of personal sundries, on claimants. The Order comes into force on 1st January 2023.
Resource Implications: This will result in increased Long-Term Care Fund expenditure of approximately £3 million a year from 2023 onwards.
Action Required: Private Secretary to notify the Greffier of the States and the Principal Legislative Drafter that the Order has been made so that it may be notified to the States, and the signed and sealed Order to be forwarded to the States Greffe for publication and archiving.
Signature:	Signed By: Minister for Social Security
Date Signed:	Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):