Cabinet Office
610 FOI requests | Full disclosure rate: 24.1%
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 (610)
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-05-21 | IOM Biosphere Pledge - Sustainable Economy | Information not held |
| A request was made to confirm if the Isle of Man Government committed to sustainable economic development as policy upon acceding to Biosphere status. The Cabinet Office responded that the information requested is not held. | ||
| 2018-05-14 | services provided by independent medical services | Information not held |
| A request was made for details regarding the contract award and market testing schedule for Independent Medical Services (IMS). The Cabinet Office responded that it does not hold this information, as individual government departments act as the contracting bodies. | ||
| 2018-05-09 | Cost of Lansons | All information sent |
| The request sought the cost of the Isle of Man Government retaining the firm Lansons over the previous 12 months. The Cabinet Office disclosed a standard annual retainer fee of £425,000 plus additional project fees of £70,000 incurred due to international scrutiny. | ||
| 2018-05-07 | occupational health service provided by IMS | Information not held |
| A request was made for details regarding the contract award, due diligence, and retendering timeline for an occupational health service provided by IMS. The Cabinet Office responded that the information is not held, as the specific government Department acts as the contracting body. | ||
| 2018-05-01 | Expenditure on single use plastics within the department | Some information sent but not all held |
| 2018-03-28 | Unpublished FOI requests | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester asked for monthly statistics on FOI requests received, refused, answered, and published by the Cabinet Office over the last 12 months. The authority provided aggregate totals for the period but refused to break down the data by month, citing that they are not obliged to create information. | ||
| 2018-02-13 | No of Sackings | All information sent |
| A request was made to the Isle of Man Cabinet Office for the number of government dismissals over the previous five years. The authority confirmed that 117 people were dismissed between 2013 and 2017 for various reasons including conduct and capability. | ||
| 2018-02-07 | Retention Policy | Information not held |
| The requester asked for the Cabinet Office's retention policy specifically regarding internal meeting notes, agendas, and minutes. The authority responded that the information is not held, as the existing draft policy is high-level and does not specify retention periods for individual record types. | ||
| 2018-01-19 | Recruitment process for the Manx Attorney General - communcations with UK Ministry of Justice | Information not held |
| A request for details on the recruitment process for the Manx Attorney General and specific communications with the UK Ministry of Justice regarding John Quinn's appointment was refused because the Cabinet Office does not hold the information due to statutory exemptions for Crown appointments. | ||
| 2017-12-12 | Council of Ministers – process for the appointment of the Information Commissioner and relevant paper | No information sent - all held but exempt |
| The request sought the appointment process for the Information Commissioner and a specific Cabinet Office paper; the process was directed to existing legislation while the paper was withheld as exempt personal data. | ||
| 2017-12-03 | International Aid Budget | No information sent - all held but exempt |
| The requester asked for details on the International Aid Budget spend over the last five years and the status of any underspend. The Cabinet Office declined to send specific documents as the information is already publicly available in Annual Reports, but confirmed the annual budget amount and spending status in the response. | ||
| 2017-12-01 | Mear Voar - Planning Application Appeal | No information sent - all held but exempt |
| A request was made for submissions and correspondence regarding a planning application appeal (15/00124/B) to the Council of Ministers. The Cabinet Office confirmed holding the information but refused disclosure under Section 35 exemptions to protect the free and frank exchange of views in public business. | ||
| 2017-11-23 | Council of Ministers’ Legislation Sub-Committee; details and minutes | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought details on the creation, membership, meeting dates, and minutes of the Council of Ministers' Legislation Sub-Committee. The authority disclosed the committee's history, current members, and a list of meeting dates, but withheld the minutes pending further clarification from the requester. | ||
| 2017-11-09 | Interpretation Act 2015 | All information sent |
| The requester asked for an explanation regarding the delay in commencing the Interpretation Act 2015 and its anticipated effective date. The Cabinet Office disclosed that the delay was due to necessary amendments regarding Church of England legislation and unincorporated bodies, with commencement expected on 1 January 2018. | ||
| 2017-11-06 | Brussels Office, officer job description and reports to the Chief Minister | Some information sent but not all held |
| The request sought the job description of the Brussels officer and written reports issued to the Chief Minister in the last month. The Cabinet Office provided the job description but withheld the reports, stating they were not held as formal documents but rather as verbal and written briefings. | ||
| 2017-11-03 | Programme for Government – Legislation Programme 2017-2019 | All information sent |
| The requester asked for the Legislation Programme 2017-2019 and background information regarding its revision. The Cabinet Office disclosed that the document is publicly available via Tynwald Orders Papers and provided direct links to the relevant report. | ||
| 2017-11-03 | Ministerial press briefings and political presentations | Some information sent but not all held |
| The request sought attendance records for Friday ministerial press briefings and counts of private political presentations to Tynwald members for the 2015-2017 period. The Cabinet Office disclosed the number of private presentations but confirmed it does not hold records regarding press briefing attendance or specific dates. | ||
| 2017-10-26 | Services between Isle of Man Immigration Office and United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) | All information sent |
| The request sought details on how the Isle of Man Immigration Office handles unsatisfactory UKVI services, including escalation procedures, contact methods, and fee sharing. The response disclosed that the office uses direct email and phone contacts with UKVI Entry Clearance Officers, does not share visa fees, and occasionally assists applicants by forwarding complaints to UKVI managers. | ||
| 2017-10-19 | Consultations - 'Safeguarding Bill 2017' submissions | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester asked for the number of submissions and copies of public submissions regarding the Safeguarding Bill 2017 consultation. The Cabinet Office responded that this information was already reasonably accessible online, citing Section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 to withhold physical copies. | ||
| 2017-10-19 | Consultations - 'Smarter use of your data to improve Government services' submissions | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester asked for the number of submissions and copies of public submissions regarding the 'Smarter use of your data' consultation. The Cabinet Office responded that this information was already published online and therefore exempt from disclosure under Section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015. | ||
| 2017-10-15 | Cabinet Office family tree/structure charts | Upheld - full |
| The request sought the latest family tree and structure charts for the five divisions within the Isle of Man Cabinet Office. The authority provided the charts but redacted specific staff names where disclosure would contravene data protection principles regarding personal information. | ||
| 2017-10-15 | Consultation results collected and percentages stated | Information not held |
| The requester asked whether consultation percentages are calculated by weighting responses from trade bodies or treating each reply as a single response. The Cabinet Office confirmed it does not hold specific records on this methodology but stated that only individual respondents are counted, while noting that consulting bodies may exercise discretion in weighting views. | ||
| 2017-10-15 | Data services provided by Government Technology Services and data processing locations | All information sent |
| The requester asked for details on Government Technology Services (GTS) data instances stored off the Isle of Man and their jurisdictions. The authority responded that GTS acts as a Data Processor and does not decide data locations, noting that all data where GTS is the Controller is stored on-island. | ||
| 2017-10-13 | Government policies when a request for support is received from a charity | Information not held |
| The requester asked for written government policies regarding departmental support for charities, but the Cabinet Office confirmed no overarching policy exists. The response indicated that individual departments must adhere to general staff guidance and financial regulations instead. | ||
| 2017-10-10 | IOM Government employees with Manx National Insurance numbers | All information sent |
| A Freedom of Information request was made to the Isle of Man Cabinet Office to determine how many government employees hold Manx National Insurance numbers. The authority confirmed that 5,164 individuals with contracted hours possess these numbers, representing 64.84% of the workforce. | ||
| 2017-10-03 | Minutes of 27th September - Social Policy and Children's subcommittee; topic Children's Champion | Some information sent but not all held |
| The request sought minutes from a September 2017 Social Policy and Children's subcommittee meeting regarding the Children's Champion and the Education Bill. The authority released the relevant extract concerning the Children's Champion but confirmed that no information on the Education Bill was held as it was not discussed at that meeting. | ||
| 2017-09-30 | Brussels Office - annual costs | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought annual costs for the Isle of Man Brussels Office for the period October 2016 to September 2017, resulting in the disclosure of operational expenses but the withholding of specific staff salary details due to personal data exemptions. | ||
| 2017-09-22 | OHR information relating to Bullying, Harassment and Grievance reported instances | Some information sent but not all held |
| The request sought statistics on bullying, harassment, and grievance cases from 2011, but the Cabinet Office could only provide data from 2013 onwards due to record-keeping limitations and confidentiality regarding mediation outcomes. | ||
| 2017-09-21 | Market value of Government House, and further questions regarding the property | Some information sent but not all held |
| A request for details on Government House, including market value, rent, utilities, and property specifications, was partially fulfilled by the Cabinet Office. While rent and utility payment details were disclosed, information regarding market value, square footage, and plans was withheld as it was not held by the authority. | ||
| 2017-09-18 | Council of Ministers paper regarding Single Resident Record – Presentation for the creation of a Smart Service Framework | Upheld - full |
| A request was made for a Council of Ministers paper regarding the 'Single Resident Record' and Smart Service Framework, but the Cabinet Office refused disclosure citing the formulation of government policy exemption. | ||
| 2017-09-06 | Questions in relation to Her Majesty's Privy Council and Manx-related work | All information sent |
| The requester asked if there are financial arrangements for the Isle of Man to compensate the Privy Council for its Manx-related work. The Cabinet Office confirmed that no such financial arrangements exist as the role is part of the constitutional relationship between the UK and the Isle of Man. | ||
| 2017-08-10 | Hi Excellence the Lieutenant-Governor; costs incurred and details of the role | All information sent |
| The request sought details on the costs of feeding, lodging, and compensating the Lieutenant-Governor of the Isle of Man, as well as potential savings from eliminating the role. The Cabinet Office disclosed specific salary, allowance, and operational costs while clarifying the constitutional duties of the position. | ||
| 2017-08-07 | Isle of Man Border Security Policy 2017 | All information sent |
| A request was made for the Isle of Man Border Security Policy 2017, which was approved by the Council of Ministers in June 2017. The Cabinet Office fulfilled the request by providing the policy text and referencing a related Tynwald question. | ||
| 2017-08-07 | Passenger Travel Information Scheme | Information not held |
| A request was made for a copy of the 'Passenger Travel Information Scheme' referenced in June 2017 Council of Ministers proceedings, but the Cabinet Office responded that the information is not held because the scheme has not yet been developed. | ||
| 2017-08-07 | Council of Ministers paper regarding Isle of Man Border Security Policy 2017 - Passenger Travel Information Scheme | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made for a Council of Ministers paper regarding the Isle of Man Border Security Policy 2017 and Passenger Travel Information Scheme. The Cabinet Office released the document with redactions applied to sections concerning the formulation of government policy. | ||
| 2017-07-28 | Details regarding Isle of Man Ltd as a registered | Information not held |
| The requester asked for documents regarding 'Isle of Man Limited', alleging civil servants were shareholders, but the Cabinet Office stated it does not hold this information. | ||
| 2017-07-19 | Independent report into Children and Families | No information sent - all held but exempt |
| A request was made for an independent report on Children and Families by Paul Burnett and Bridgit Griffin, but the Cabinet Office refused to disclose it as it is held for future publication. | ||
| 2017-07-18 | Request for the individuals the Chief Minister has had formal meetings with off Island | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought a list of individuals the Chief Minister met with off-Island since October 2016 and future meeting plans. The Cabinet Office provided a partial list of past meetings but withheld 13 names under qualified exemptions and stated no future formal meetings were scheduled at the time. | ||
| 2017-07-08 | Council of Minsters Report on Implications of Independence | Information not held |
| A request was made for a Council of Ministers Report on Independence from November 2000, but the Cabinet Office stated it was not obliged to respond under the Freedom of Information Act 2015 because the information predates the Act's commencement. | ||
| 2017-07-06 | Tender process for the 'Review of the Functioning of Tynwald' inquiry | All information sent |
| The requester asked for details regarding the tender process, contract, and correspondence for Lord Lisvane's 'Review of the Functioning of Tynwald' inquiry. The Cabinet Office disclosed that no tender process was undertaken due to the specialized nature of the work and the specific expertise required. | ||
| 2017-06-30 | Expenses regarding attendees at the Consecration of Bishop Eagles in York Minster in June 2017 | All information sent |
| A Freedom of Information request was made to the Isle of Man Cabinet Office regarding expenses and attendance for the June 2017 consecration of Bishop Eagles in York Minster. The authority disclosed that two officials attended, providing a detailed breakdown of their travel and accommodation costs. | ||
| 2017-06-29 | Dataset for the labour force participation rate | Some information sent but not all held |
| A request was made for a labour force participation rate dataset equivalent to World Bank data for the Channel Islands, but the Cabinet Office only held data for total, male, and female rates, not the specific male/female ratio time series requested. | ||
| 2017-06-11 | Report on Independence | Vexatious request |
| A request for a copy of the 'Report on Independence' commissioned by the Chief Minister was refused by the Cabinet Office. The authority determined the request was vexatious because the applicant failed to provide an adequate description of the information despite being offered assistance. | ||
| 2017-06-10 | Breakdown of costs incurred and monies paid, for the 'Review of the Functioning of Tynwald' inquiry | No information sent - all held but exempt |
| A request was made for a breakdown of costs and payments to Lord Lisvane regarding the 'Review of the Functioning of Tynwald' inquiry. The Cabinet Office refused to send the information directly, citing that it was already reasonably accessible on the government website following the report's debate. | ||
| 2017-05-25 | Correspondence between the Chief Minister and the Committee on the Administration of Justice (C.A.J) | All information sent |
| The request sought all correspondence between the Chief Minister and the Committee on the Administration of Justice from January 2016 to May 2017. The Cabinet Office released the requested documents but redacted specific details containing personal information under an absolute exemption. | ||
| 2017-05-23 | Correspondence between the Cabinet Office and the Information Commissioner relating to the Digital Strategy/Digital Inclusion Strategy. | All information sent |
| A request was made for emails between the Cabinet Office and the Information Commissioner regarding the Digital Strategy, to which the authority responded by releasing all information with minor redactions for personal data. | ||
| 2017-05-12 | Cost of investigation conducted into leaked information of DHSC | All information sent |
| A request was made to the Isle of Man Cabinet Office for the total cost of an internal inquiry into leaked information regarding the Department of Health and Social Care. The authority confirmed that the investigation, chaired by Advocate Paul Morris, cost £6,075. | ||
| 2017-05-04 | Copy of the draft Eastern Plan that has recently been issued | No information sent - all held but exempt |
| A request for a copy of the draft Eastern Plan was denied because the information is already reasonably accessible to the public via the government website and physical locations. The authority clarified that the requested document is actually a preliminary public consultation, not a final draft plan. | ||
| 2017-04-20 | Legal advice provided regarding the removal of electors from the Register of Electors during the annual canvas | Upheld - full |
| The request sought legal advice and communications regarding the removal of electors from the Register of Electors during the annual canvas. The Cabinet Office confirmed it does not hold pre-2015 advice as it was oral, and withheld post-2015 communications citing legal advice and privilege exemptions. | ||
| 2017-04-20 | Review of HM Attorney Generals Chambers (Isle of Man): Executive Summary | All information sent |
| The requester sought the Executive Summary of a 2015 review of HM Attorney General's Chambers commissioned by the Chief Minister, and the Cabinet Office confirmed that all requested information was provided. | ||
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