Fire Precautions (Amendment No.2) (Jersey) Law 201-

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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 29 May 2012:

Decision Reference: MD-HA-2012-0049
Decision Summary Title :	Fire Precautions (Amendment No.2) (Jersey) Law 201-		Date of Decision Summary:	22 May 2012
Decision Summary Author:	Deputy Chief Fire 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 :	Fire Precautions (Amendment No.2) (Jersey) Law 201-		Date of Written Report:	22 May 2012
Written Report Author:	Deputy Chief Fire Officer		Written Report : Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Subject: Fire Precautions (Amendment No.2) (Jersey) Law 201-.
Decision(s): The Minister approved the Fire Precautions (Amendment No. 2) (Jersey) Law 201- and the accompanying report, and requested that arrangements be made for it to be lodged ‘au Greffe’ for consideration by the States before the summer recess.
Reason(s) for Decision: The Fire Precautions (Amendment No. 2) (Jersey) Law 201- will introduce the definition of a ‘responsible person’ to the principal Law. This will make it very clear which person is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Law. It also limits the validity of fire certificates to 3 years to ensure that fire safety measures within relevant premises are up to date and that the Fire and Rescue Service has accurate information on the use, management arrangements and contacts within certificated premises.
Resource Implications: Some additional staffing demands are anticipated as a result of these amendments. However, these will be met through internal adjustments in duties and responsibilities.
Action required: The Executive Officer, Home Affairs, to request the Greffier of the States to arrange for the draft Law to be lodged ‘au Greffe’ for consideration by the States before the summer recess.
Signature:		Position:
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):