Cabinet Office
147 FOI requests | Full disclosure rate: 100.0%
The Freedom of Information requests to the Isle of Man Cabinet Office reveal an authority that is generally cooperative regarding historical data, spending totals, and employment statistics, but fiercely protective of its internal deliberative processes and contingency planning. A clear pattern emerges where the government readily discloses the *cost* of its actions—such as the £425,000 legal retainer for Lansons (464233) or the £57,000 paid to John Barrett QC (1001057)—while withholding the *strategy* behind them. This is most evident in the Brexit cluster, where documents on 'Operation Yellowhammer' (937314) and food supply chains (984789) were entirely exempted, suggesting a 'need-to-know' approach to national security and economic stability that overrides public transparency.
Key Cases
Case 937314 — The complete refusal to disclose any documents regarding 'Operation Yellowhammer' (No-Deal Brexit contingency) is a critical case. It reveals the government's decision to keep its most sensitive emergency planning entirely hidden from public scrutiny, citing exemptions that prevent any insight into how the island prepared for a potential economic and logistical collapse.
Case 464233 — This case disclosed a massive £425,000 annual retainer for the law firm Lansons, plus an additional £70,000 for 'international scrutiny.' It highlights the significant financial burden of legal defense and reputation management on the public purse, likely linked to the island's financial crime investigations.
Case 354247 — The disclosure of the Cabinet Office paper regarding the UK Investigatory Powers Bill is notable for its intersection of national security and local legislation. It shows the Isle of Man's active role in shaping its own surveillance laws in alignment with the UK, raising questions about privacy and state powers.
Case 1001057 — Revealing that John Barrett QC was paid over £57,000 for a single planning inquiry (the East Area Plan) underscores the high cost of independent legal advice in government planning. It connects to a broader narrative of expensive external consultants being used to navigate complex land-use disputes.
Case 354255 — The full release of the 'Beamans Report' on modernizing ministerial government is significant because it provides a rare, unredacted look at internal critiques of senior management structures. Unlike many policy papers, this was fully disclosed, offering a benchmark for what transparency looks like when the government is willing to share reform documents.
Related FOI Stories
Brexit Contingency and Border Security — #354247, #358517, #354299, #354301, #354303
Legal Costs and High-Profile Appointments — #354269, #354289, #354291, #464233, #980113
Government Transparency and Policy Formulation — #354255, #354267, #354309, #354357, #357735
Public Sector Employment and Workforce Data — #354221, #354313, #354315, #354321, #354327
Ministerial Conduct and Travel Expenses — #354249, #354287, #354305, #357737, #622865
All (147)
Information not held (171) ·
All information sent (147) ·
Some information sent but not all held (110) ·
Some information sent but part exempt (95) ·
No information sent - all held but exempt (31) ·
Not upheld (25) ·
Upheld - partial (10) ·
Upheld - full (6) ·
Not required to fulfill request (4) ·
Decision Notice - Complaint not upheld (3) ·
Request lapsed - requested information not provided (2) ·
Decision Notice - Complaint part upheld (2) ·
Withdrawn (1) ·
Vexatious request (1) ·
Information Notice (1) ·
Decision Notice - Complaint upheld (1) ·
| Date | Title | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-08-15 | civil service headcount and sick days 2012-2022 | All information sent |
| The request sought total government employee headcounts and sick days for the years 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2022. The Cabinet Office disclosed all requested information, providing Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) averages and total days lost due to sickness for each specified year. | ||
| 2022-08-12 | Dezoning | All information sent |
| The request sought the number of land parcels dezoned since October 2011 and the reasons for these changes. The Cabinet Office disclosed that 5 parcels totaling 11.85 hectares were dezoned, citing reasons such as landscape impact, deliverability, and infrastructure concerns. | ||
| 2022-05-19 | Organisation and staffing | All information sent |
| The requester asked for an organisation chart and staff details for the Isle of Man Cabinet Office, but the request was narrowed to only the organisation chart after points regarding staff names and salaries were identified as duplicates. The authority released a structure chart dated May 2021, noting that current reforms are underway and a new chart will be commissioned later. | ||
| 2022-05-05 | Cartographical Errors - Eastern Area Plan | All information sent |
| The request asked if maps in the Eastern Area Plan were checked for errors after Tynwald approval and for details of any found. The Cabinet Office confirmed all maps were checked, identified two specific cartographical errors regarding settlement boundaries in Crosby and Laxey, and provided links to the corrected and draft maps. | ||
| 2022-04-27 | Emergency Advisory Group | All information sent |
| The request sought details on Emergency Advisory Group (EAG) meetings, discussions, membership, and the delay in publishing minutes since November 2021. The Cabinet Office disclosed that the group met three times, provided a link to the published minutes, explained the delay was due to staff changes, listed the members, and confirmed the group is now in abeyance following the end of the pandemic emergency response. | ||
| 2022-04-22 | Number of Covid days off work by government employees | All information sent |
| The requester sought data on the number of days, average absence, and salary costs related to COVID-19 and general sickness for Isle of Man government employees for the 2020-2022 period. The Cabinet Office confirmed that all requested information was sent, clarifying that records are held by diagnosis or general COVID absence rather than validated positive tests. | ||
| 2022-03-11 | Island Global Research | All information sent |
| The request sought the Terms of Reference, total costs, and tender details for climate change research conducted by Island Global Research in December 2021. The Cabinet Office disclosed the full Terms of Reference document, which outlines the research objectives, methodology, and target audience for segmenting Isle of Man residents regarding climate change perceptions. | ||
| 2022-01-27 | Media Training | All information sent |
| The request sought details on media training costs, content, and providers for Isle of Man ministers since the September 2021 General Election. The Cabinet Office disclosed that the training cost £1,800, was provided by Isle of Man Advertising & PR, and included practical one-to-one sessions. | ||
| 2022-01-26 | CPI and RPI line items | All information sent |
| The requester asked for detailed monthly index data and weights for CPI and RPI calculations on the Isle of Man, and the Cabinet Office confirmed that all requested information was sent. | ||
| 2022-01-24 | Number of officers leaving IOM Constabulary. | All information sent |
| The requester asked for the total number of police officers who left the Isle of Man Constabulary in 2021 following a previous request for data from 2016 to 2020. The Cabinet Office responded by disclosing that 22 officers left the force in 2021 for reasons including resignation, retirement, and dismissal. | ||
| 2022-01-24 | Ages of Covid Deaths | All information sent |
| The request sought the ages of death for individuals who died from or with COVID-19 in the Isle of Man between February 2020 and December 2021. The Cabinet Office disclosed all requested information, providing a detailed list of dates, ages, and specific causes of death for both categories. | ||
| 2022-01-20 | Mountain Road Closure | All information sent |
| The requester asked for all correspondence between the Cabinet Office and media outlets regarding the Mountain Road closure for TT 2022 preparations. The authority released a news release and a formal response letter but withheld some information citing an exemption for personal data. | ||
| 2022-01-18 | property price statistics | All information sent |
| The request sought detailed methodology and specific transaction data regarding the Isle of Man's national property price calculations from the 2020 Economic Affairs housing review. The Cabinet Office disclosed the calculation formula, filtering criteria, and data sources, while providing a specific attachment for 2010 transaction details. | ||
| 2022-01-11 | Health Services Independent Review Body (IRB) Appointments Commission | All information sent |
| The request sought background information and actions taken regarding the Health Services Independent Review Body (IRB) following a consultation query. The response disclosed DHSC officer feedback on alternative complaint investigation methods, the distinction between whistleblowing and complaints, and plans to implement a two-stage process with potential future oversight by the Tynwald Commissioner. | ||
| 2022-01-06 | Suicide figures 2021 | All information sent |
| A request was made for the number of suicides and inquest verdicts recorded on the Isle of Man in 2021. The Cabinet Office disclosed that there were 11 registered deaths with a suicide verdict, all of which were subject to inquest. | ||
| 2021-12-24 | responses to the whistleblowing policy public consultation | All information sent |
| The request sought all public responses to the Cabinet Office's whistleblowing policy consultation and an indication of whether suggestions were accepted. The authority disclosed all information, providing a detailed table of comments from various respondents alongside the official responses and policy amendments made. | ||
| 2021-12-09 | Number of officers leaving IOM Constabulary. | All information sent |
| The request sought the total number of police officers leaving the IOM Constabulary between 2016 and 2020. The Cabinet Office provided figures for all requested years but noted that data for 2016 and 2017 may be inaccurate due to a system migration. | ||
| 2021-11-05 | whistleblowers participation in mandatory whistleblowing training | All information sent |
| The requester asked how many previous or pending whistleblowers were invited to contribute to government whistleblowing training materials or sessions. The Cabinet Office responded that no whistleblowers were invited for these specific activities, though public consultations on the policy occurred in 2015 and 2021. | ||
| 2021-10-28 | National Covid Response Group | All information sent |
| The request sought details on the membership, meeting frequency, and publication of minutes for the National Covid Response Group. The Cabinet Office disclosed the full list of members and officers, confirmed a minimum monthly meeting schedule, but stated that agendas and minutes are not currently published. | ||
| 2021-10-01 | Cost of Covid-19 public information advertising and notices. | All information sent |
| A request was made for total government spending on Covid-19 public information advertising across all departments, but the Cabinet Office only provided figures for its own department. The response disclosed specific amounts spent on general advertising and payments to Manx Radio and IOM Newspapers between February 2020 and September 2021. | ||
| 2021-09-29 | Tribunals | All information sent |
| The request sought annual statistics on employment tribunals lost by the Isle of Man Government and out-of-court settlements from 2017 onwards. The Cabinet Office disclosed a table containing settlement figures and case counts for 2017, 2018, 2020, and 2021, noting that the data covers only departments serviced by the Office of Human Resources. | ||
| 2021-09-13 | categorisation of freedom of information requests | All information sent |
| The requester asked for the rationale behind FOI request categories and statistics on requests received from each category over the last 36 months. The Cabinet Office disclosed a table containing the total number of requests received from each category between August 2018 and August 2021. | ||
| 2021-05-13 | Employee headcount on a FTE Basis | All information sent |
| The request sought the total employee headcount on a Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) basis for the Isle of Man government as of March 31, 2016, and March 31, 2021. The Cabinet Office disclosed the total figures for both dates and provided a detailed breakdown of the 424.4 FTE increase across various departments and roles. | ||
| 2021-05-11 | CO decision not provide a site development brief, Dandara. | All information sent |
| The request sought documentary confirmation regarding a Cabinet Office decision not to provide a Site Development Brief for site DH011 (Dandara) during the Eastern Area Plan process. The authority disclosed that the decision was made in August 2019, recorded via email, and confirmed that the relevant paper was published and provided to the Inspector. | ||
| 2021-05-07 | Index of each of RPI's Leisure Goods line - March 2018 to March 2021 | All information sent |
| 2021-04-07 | Peter Greenhill- submission Eastern Area Plan | All information sent |
| A request was made regarding a 2019 submission by Peter Greenhill concerning Site DH009 in the Eastern Area Plan, specifically asking about receipt dates, forwarding details, oral evidence requests, and email origin. The Cabinet Office disclosed that the submission was received on 22 September 2019, forwarded to the Planning Policy Team and Appointed Inspector, that Greenhill requested oral evidence, and that the submission did not originate from a gov.im host. | ||
| 2021-03-04 | SPco direction notices | All information sent |
| The requester asked for the corporate direction notice issued to Steam Packet Company crew members regarding COVID-19 public health protocols. The Cabinet Office disclosed the full notice, which outlines self-isolation requirements and exemptions for crew members. | ||
| 2021-02-25 | Self isolation direction notice issued to iomspc crew | All information sent |
| The request sought an example of the self-isolation direction notice issued to Isle of Man Steam Packet Company crew members. The Cabinet Office disclosed the full text of the notice, which outlines a 21-day isolation period with specific exemptions for crew who comply with risk assessments and testing protocols. | ||
| 2021-02-16 | Lansons | All information sent |
| The request sought details on payments made by the Isle of Man Government to Lansons over three years and the services provided. The Cabinet Office disclosed total payments for 2018-2020 and outlined that Lansons provides public relations and public affairs services focused on the UK. | ||
| 2021-01-18 | COVID Travel requests | All information sent |
| The requester asked for statistics on individuals granted permission to enter the Isle of Man between August 2020 and February 2021, categorized by residency and reason. The Cabinet Office disclosed the total numbers for residents, non-residents on compassionate or contractual grounds, and key workers. | ||
| 2021-01-12 | All cause mortality numbers for last 10 years (2010-2020 inclusive) | All information sent |
| The requester asked for all-cause mortality figures for Manx residents from 2010 to 2020 with a monthly breakdown and cause grouping. The Cabinet Office provided data for 2010-2019 by year and cause but could not supply monthly data or 2020 figures as they were not yet coded. | ||
| 2021-01-11 | 2015 - 2020 deceased rates. | All information sent |
| The requester asked for Isle of Man deceased rates from 2015 to 2020 broken down by year, month, gender, and age. The Cabinet Office provided total death registration data for males and females for the years 2016 to 2020 but stated they do not hold data grouped by month. | ||
| 2021-01-05 | Tweet at https://twitter.com/iomgovernment/status/1345716330876567552 | All information sent |
| A requester asked for a copy of a specific Isle of Man Government tweet and all related correspondence, but the authority initially sought clarification because the provided link was non-existent. The case was ultimately resolved with the outcome 'All information sent' after the authority received the request on January 5, 2021, and responded on January 26, 2021. | ||
| 2020-12-29 | analogous terms and conditions | All information sent |
| The requester asked if there is a shared understanding with trade unions regarding 'analogous terms and conditions' for public servants and whether harmonisation is expected. The Cabinet Office responded that no such shared understanding exists, as terms vary by individual contract, and there is no general expectation for harmonised conditions across the public sector. | ||
| 2020-12-16 | Travel Notification Service Open Data | All information sent |
| The requester sought clarification on whether the 'Age, Gender, Travel History' open data file represented daily entry figures for the Isle of Man. The Cabinet Office responded that the data actually shows cumulative COVID-19 positive cases broken down by age, gender, and travel history, not the number of people entering the island. | ||
| 2020-12-10 | Policy Query | All information sent |
| The requester asked if the Cabinet Office's anti-bullying policy applies to the Isle of Man Post Office (IOMPO). The authority confirmed that the policy does not extend to IOMPO, as they have their own separate HR policies and procedures. | ||
| 2020-11-20 | Number of individuals in self-isolation | All information sent |
| The requester asked for the number of individuals in self-isolation on the Isle of Man as of November 18, 2020. The Cabinet Office disclosed that 1,000 individuals were in self-isolation, explicitly noting this figure excludes anyone under the age of 18. | ||
| 2020-11-09 | Beamans Report - Effective School Governors | All information sent |
| The requester asked the Cabinet Office to identify the specific school governing bodies described as 'notable exceptions' in the Beamans Report, following a referral from the Department of Education. The authority disclosed that Castle Rushen High School and Ballasalla Primary School were the two schools identified as effectively fulfilling their remit. | ||
| 2020-11-02 | Democratic Process to unelect serving Public Officials | All information sent |
| The requester asked for the process to unelect serving public officials in the Isle of Man before their term ends. The Cabinet Office responded that currently, the public must wait for the next election, though specific grounds for declaring a seat vacant exist under the Representation of the People Act 1995 and new recall provisions are being introduced via the Elections (Keys and Local Authorities) Act 2020. | ||
| 2020-10-23 | Level 4 framework, returning residents | All information sent |
| A request was made to the Isle of Man Cabinet Office for the number of residents returning to the island since the Level 4 Borders Framework began in July 2020. The authority confirmed that all information was sent, disclosing a total of 8,256 returning residents. | ||
| 2020-10-06 | PIP | All information sent |
| The request sought details on the cost, delays, and funding sources for the People Information Programme (PIP) used by OHR and Payroll. The Cabinet Office disclosed the total costs incurred to date, the revised completion timeline, and specific reasons for delays including GDPR compliance and the pandemic. | ||
| 2020-09-15 | Castletown housing review | All information sent |
| The requester asked for the rationale behind prioritizing the Eastern Plan over the Castletown Housing Land Review, details on public consultation, and correspondence between Ministers Cregeen and Moorhouse. The Cabinet Office disclosed that the Castletown review was an evidence base rather than a statutory plan, confirmed that public consultation did occur, and provided one email from Minister Cregeen. | ||
| 2020-08-31 | Douglas South By-Election Communications | All information sent |
| A request was made for details on costs, supplier analysis, and justification for government video broadcasting during the Douglas South by-election. The Cabinet Office responded by stating that all requested information was sent to the applicant. | ||
| 2020-08-31 | Housing Affordability Ratio Data | All information sent |
| A requester asked for the underlying data used to calculate housing affordability ratios in the Isle of Man Housing Market Review, covering the period from 1988 to 2018. The Cabinet Office responded by sending all the requested information within one day of receipt. | ||
| 2020-08-17 | Does the IOM make any financial payments to the UK for Defence? | All information sent |
| The request asked whether the Isle of Man makes financial payments to the UK for defence and requested annual figures since 2000. The Cabinet Office confirmed that such payments are made under a 1992 agreement and provided a complete table of annual amounts from 2000 to 2020. | ||
| 2020-08-05 | Disruption to online FOI service | All information sent |
| The request sought details regarding a disruption to the Isle of Man Government's online FOI service, including the cause, timeline, and relevant Service Level Agreements. The authority disclosed the timeline of the outage, noted that the underlying cause was still being investigated with a workaround in place, and published SLA targets for both GTS and the supplier Civica. | ||
| 2020-07-14 | THE MEDICAL ADVICE AND ACTION ON THE BORDERS | All information sent |
| The request sought documents and dates regarding medical advice that led to the Isle of Man's border closure in March 2020. The Cabinet Office disclosed Council meeting minutes from March 16, 2020, detailing the clinical advice received and the subsequent decision to implement inbound self-isolation rules. | ||
| 2020-06-01 | Planning appeals outstanding | All information sent |
| The request sought figures on outstanding planning appeals as of May 2020 and determined appeals without site visits since January 2019. The Cabinet Office disclosed that there were 26 outstanding appeals and one appeal determined without a site visit in 2020. | ||
| 2020-05-29 | Coronavirus confirmed fatalities and influenza | All information sent |
| The requester asked for data on laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 fatalities and influenza-related deaths in the Isle of Man. The Cabinet Office confirmed that all reported COVID-19 deaths were laboratory-confirmed and provided an attached document containing respiratory mortality trends for influenza. | ||
| 2020-05-20 | Returning Residents who stayed at The Comis Hotel | All information sent |
| The requester asked for the number of returning residents quarantined at The Comis Hotel who tested positive for COVID-19 during or within 14 days after their stay. The Cabinet Office responded that their records show zero instances of repatriated citizens testing positive for the virus. | ||
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