Government of Jersey

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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 19 March 2010 regarding: Social Security (Jersey) 1974 Law - supplementation of under 18s.

Decision Reference: MD-S-2010-0011
Decision Summary Title :	Anomalous supplementation of under 18s		Date of Decision Summary:	18 March 2010
Decision Summary Author:	Strategy & Policy Director		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:	N/A
Written Report Title :	Anomalous supplementation of under 18s		Date of Written Report:	18 March 2010
Written Report Author:	Strategy & Policy Director		Written Report : Public or Exempt?	Public
Subject: Social Security (Jersey) 1974 Law - supplementation of under 18s
Decision(s): The Minister decided, notwithstanding the option to disregard the lower threshold level for supplementation for persons under the age of 18, as provided in Article 9(2) of the Social Security (Jersey) 1974 Law, that the lower threshold level for supplementation will apply equally to those aged below 18 as it does to those aged 18 or above with effect from 1 January 2010.
Reason(s) for Decision: The current anomaly whereby workers aged 18 and above do not receive supplementation on wages below £770 per month whereas those aged below 18 do receive supplementation on wages below this level is responsible for approximately £1.6 million per annum of States funding towards supplementation. This cost cannot be justified in view of the limited benefits available to workers aged under 18, most of whom are engaged in part-time employment whilst continuing their full time education.
Resource Implications: The annual funding of supplementation by the States will reduce by approximately £1.6 million in 2010
Action required: The Finance Director to adjust the calculation of supplementation so that supplementation is provided to those under 18 in the same circumstances as it is provided to those aged 18 and above. These calculations to take effect from 1 January 2010.
Signature:		Position: Minister
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):