Christians Together in Jersey Housing Trust: Annual Payment Agreement

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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 decisin made on 16 March 2018

Decision Reference: MD-TR-2018-0031
Decision Summary Title:	Christians Together in Jersey Housing Trust (CTJ) – Annual Payment Agreement.		Date of Decision Summary:	12th March 2018
Decision Summary Author:	Head of Shareholder Relations		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:
Written Report Title:	Christians Together in Jersey Housing Trust (CTJ) – Annual Payment Agreement.		Date of Written Report:	12th March 2018
Written Report Author:	Head of Shareholder Relations		Written Report : Public or Exempt?	FOI Art.33 – Commercial interests.
Subject: Christians Together in Jersey (CTJ) – Annual Payment Agreement.
Decision(s): The Assistant Minister approved and agreed to sign the Annual Payment Agreement between the States of Jersey and Christians Together in Jersey Housing Trust (CTJ).
Reason(s) for Decision: The States in approving P.33/2013: The Reform of Social Housing agreed a rent policy of a return to near market fair rent levels of up to 90% for all Social Housing Providers. This was to be implemented on all new tenancies after 1st April 2014. It was acknowledged that this would result in additional cost to the Income Support Scheme from claimants of Income Support in Housing Trust properties. Initial analysis was that this additional Income support cost would build over many years as new tenancies were created. It was further agreed as part of P.33/2013 that this additional cost of Income Support would be funded by the Housing Trusts themselves, as they would be in receipt of additional rental income over and above previously expected levels. Indicative figures were included in P.33/2013 for this additional annual income to be paid to the States by the individual Housing Trusts. These figures were based on a proposed methodology produced by the Housing Department as part of the business case for Incorporation. Provision for this payment has been included in the income forecasts for the States of Jersey and is reflected in the current MTFP and Budget.
Resource Implications: As a result of this decision, The States of Jersey will receive annual payments from CTJ in line with the illustration as set out in Schedule 1 of the Annual Payment Agreement. There are no additional financial or manpower costs arising as a result of this decision.
Action required: The Head of Decision Support to notify the Head of Shareholder Relations once the decision has been approved. The Head of Shareholder Relations to ensure that after the Agreement has been signed by the Assistant Minister it is also signed by the Chairman of CTJ.
Signature:		Position: Connetable J M Refault, Assistant Minister for Treasury and Resources
Date Signed:		Date of Decision: