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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-08-09 | Informed consent | Information not held |
| A request was made for the full nucleotide base sequence of approved COVID vaccines and data on spike protein biodistribution and toxicity. The Cabinet Office responded that it does not hold this information and suggested contacting Manx Care instead. | ||
| 2021-08-05 | IOM Deaths by year. | Not required to fulfill request |
| The requester asked for monthly death totals in the Isle of Man from 2013 to 2021, but the Cabinet Office refused to provide monthly data or 2021 figures due to lack of availability and the requirement to create new information. Instead, the authority disclosed annual death totals by gender for the years 2013 through 2020. | ||
| 2021-07-22 | Death certifications | Some information sent but not all held |
| The requester asked for all death certificates or a list of deaths 'from' and 'with' COVID-19 for 2019, 2020, and 2021. The Cabinet Office disclosed a spreadsheet containing death registration data for 2020 and the first half of 2021, but confirmed they do not hold the actual certificates and noted there were no COVID-19 deaths in 2019. | ||
| 2021-07-22 | Modification of Covid Direction Notices | Some information sent but not all held |
| The request sought statistics on applications, modifications, and withdrawals of Covid Direction Notices, as well as the number of officials with delegated powers. The Cabinet Office disclosed specific figures for Key Workers and Returning Residents but stated it did not hold data on the total number of applications made by Returning Residents. | ||
| 2021-07-16 | WHO Donation | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made for all records regarding the Isle of Man Government's £800,000 donation to the World Health Organization, resulting in the disclosure of 437 pages of documents including email correspondence and press releases, though some information was withheld under exemptions. | ||
| 2021-07-15 | Disability impact assessment | Information not held |
| The requester asked for disability impact assessments regarding the reduction of border controls since moving from Level 3 of the pandemic framework. The Cabinet Office responded that it does not hold the specific documents requested, though it explained that equality considerations were integrated into the border control measures. | ||
| 2021-07-15 | Modelling data | Information not held |
| A request was made for modelling data regarding hospital admissions and deaths from reduced border controls, to which the Cabinet Office responded that the specific information was not held, though they provided a preliminary report from the University of Warwick outlining modelling assumptions and caveats. | ||
| 2021-07-08 | Flying of Flags & Removal of Union Flag | Some information sent but not all held |
| The requester asked for policy documents regarding flag flying on government buildings, the history of the Manx Flag, and reasons for the removal of the Union Flag. The Cabinet Office disclosed that it holds Government Circular 0013/2012 but refused to provide a copy because the document is already reasonably accessible online. | ||
| 2021-06-30 | Index of each item in each line of the RPI calculation from Base | Some information sent but not all held |
| The requester asked for detailed RPI calculation data from January 2000 to May 2021, including line item indices, weights, and formula changes. The Cabinet Office disclosed data only from March 2008 onwards, stating that no records were held for the earlier period requested. | ||
| 2021-06-24 | Climate Forum Attendance | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made for attendance records and minutes of the Citizens Forum on Climate Change, resulting in the disclosure of a partial attendance list while some information was withheld under exemptions. | ||
| 2021-06-23 | Amendment of Schedule 2 of the Communications Act 2021 & other parts. | No information sent - all held but exempt |
| The requester asked for documents regarding amendments to Schedule 2 of the Communications Act 2021 concerning newspapers and sound broadcast licenses. The Cabinet Office confirmed no amendments have been made and withheld policy formulation documents under a qualified exemption. | ||
| 2021-06-16 | Northern Ireland trip | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made for costs and expense receipts regarding a trip by the Chief Minister and Education Minister to the British and Irish Council in June 2021. The Cabinet Office disclosed a detailed breakdown of travel and accommodation costs but withheld specific expense receipts citing exemptions for personal data. | ||
| 2021-06-09 | Declarations of Interest | Information not held |
| A request was made for records of declarations of interest by members of the Citizens' Forum on Climate Change, but the Cabinet Office responded that no such information is held because members were not asked to declare conflicts of interest. | ||
| 2021-06-07 | estimated Hong Kong immigration | Information not held |
| A request was made for estimates and actual figures regarding Hong Kong immigration and potential new British residents in the Isle of Man. The Cabinet Office responded that no such information is held as the Immigration Service has made no estimations or calculations on this topic. | ||
| 2021-06-07 | Changes to Immigration Policy - Worker Migrants | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought details on policy development and correspondence regarding changes to Worker Migrant rules allowing third-party employment under SD2021/0002 and SD2021/0155. The response disclosed that third-party employers can be located outside the Isle of Man and that salary must be paid by the main employer, though some information was withheld under exemptions. | ||
| 2021-05-31 | HR services to the wider public sector | Some information sent but not all held |
| The requester asked for details on the legal basis, cost tracking, abuse patterns, and sanctions regarding HR services provided to the wider public sector. The Cabinet Office responded that it does not hold the requested data, clarifying that the Office of Human Resources provides advisory services rather than legal advice. | ||
| 2021-05-31 | OHR legal qualifications and training | Some information sent but not all held |
| The request sought details on OHR employees' legal qualifications, reliance on legal opinions, and tracking of whistleblowing concerns. The authority disclosed that OHR regularly seeks legal opinions but does not hold data on employee legal qualifications or recorded whistleblowing trends. | ||
| 2021-05-31 | code of conduct section 12 whistleblower escalation | Decision Notice - Complaint part upheld |
| A request was made for statistics on whistleblower escalations under the Civil Service Code and Government Code over six years, including outcomes and support provided. The authority sought clarification on the specific codes referenced, and the final outcome was a decision notice where the complaint was partially upheld. | ||
| 2021-05-28 | A full voting record for 2 MHKs and 1 MLC as requested below | Information not held |
| The requester asked for full voting records for two MHKs and one MLC from the Cabinet Office, but the authority responded that it does not hold this information. | ||
| 2021-05-17 | Disciplinary | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought a detailed breakdown of civil servant disciplinary cases since 2017 by department, complaint nature, and outcome. The Cabinet Office provided aggregate statistics but withheld specific details that could identify individual employees under data protection exemptions. | ||
| 2021-05-17 | credit references strategy | Information not held |
| A request was made to the Isle of Man Cabinet Office regarding plans to share rates and utility payment history with credit reference agencies to improve lending access and reduce debt. The authority responded that it does not hold the requested information and suggested contacting Manx Utilities or The Treasury instead. | ||
| 2021-05-14 | whistleblower policy and strategy | Information not held |
| The requester asked the Cabinet Office about the consideration of financial rewards and 'qui tam' legal proceedings to address whistleblowing policy weaknesses. The authority responded that it does not hold the requested information but noted a commitment to consult on a new statutory whistleblowing framework in 2021/22. | ||
| 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 un-redacted email to planning Inspector Mr Hurley. | Decision Notice - Complaint not upheld |
| The requester sought unredacted emails and selection process details regarding Planning Inspector Mike Hurley and the Eastern Area Plan. The Cabinet Office refused to disclose information relating to communications with the Lieutenant Governor under Section 23 of the Act, stated they did not hold responses from other inspectors, and directed the requester to previous FOI responses for other items. | ||
| 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. | ||
| 2021-05-10 | Secret societies | Information not held |
| A request was made to identify Members of the House of Keys and Members of the Legislative Council who are members of secret societies like Freemasons or Rotary Club. The Cabinet Office responded that they do not hold this information and suggested contacting the Clerk of Tynwald's Office instead. | ||
| 2021-05-07 | Index of each of RPI's Leisure Goods line - March 2018 to March 2021 | All information sent |
| 2021-05-03 | Eastern Area Plan - submission not reached Mr Hurley | Decision Notice - Complaint not upheld |
| 2021-04-27 | Peter Greenhill- submission Eastern Area Plan | Upheld - partial |
| The request sought copies of receipts, forwarding emails, and online entry timestamps for a 2019 submission by Peter Greenhill regarding the Eastern Area Plan. The Cabinet Office partially upheld the request, releasing the receipt but withholding email copies due to personal data exemptions and stating that online entry timestamps could not be located. | ||
| 2021-04-21 | IOM RPI: Leisure Goods | Some information sent but not all held |
| The request sought a list of items and index data for the Leisure Goods line in the Isle of Man RPI basket, as well as internal correspondence regarding its impact on inflation. The Cabinet Office provided the list of items but confirmed it does not hold the requested internal correspondence or index data. | ||
| 2021-04-09 | Consultation on Health Complaints Regulations | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester asked for a copy of the October 2020 consultation document regarding amendments to Health Complaints Regulations for the establishment of Manx Care. The Cabinet Office provided the document, noting that some information was sent but part was exempt. | ||
| 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. | ||
| 2021-03-29 | procurement of eastern area plan inspector | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought details on the procurement process, specific inspectors approached, and conflict of interest protocols for the Eastern Area Plan public inquiry. The Cabinet Office disclosed the names of six inspectors approached and the legal framework for their appointment, while the response was cut off before addressing all points regarding delays and correspondence. | ||
| 2021-03-29 | planning application 18/00144/B- former Glenside Home | Some information sent but not all held |
| A request for correspondence regarding the selection of Inspector Mr Hurley and conflict of interest protocols for planning application 18/00144/B was partially fulfilled, with the Cabinet Office stating that most specific documents were not held as processes were verbal or standard. | ||
| 2021-03-29 | Schools advice | No information sent - all held but exempt |
| The requester asked for advice given to the Council of Ministers regarding the decision to open schools on March 1, 2021. The Cabinet Office did not release new documents, stating the information was already reasonably accessible online via Hansard records and audio files. | ||
| 2021-03-23 | SPco corporate direction notices | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The requester asked for versions 1 and 2 of corporate direction notices for SPco crew members regarding COVID-19 protocols from April 2020 to February 2021. The Cabinet Office provided some documents but withheld specific information containing personal data under an absolute exemption. | ||
| 2021-03-18 | Proposed Asylum Seekers Detention Centre Isle of man | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought all internal and external correspondence regarding the UK's proposal to use the Isle of Man as an asylum seeker detention centre. The Cabinet Office released 94 pages of documents, primarily consisting of media monitoring, briefing notes, and internal communications, while confirming no official requests had been received from the UK government. | ||
| 2021-03-15 | Entry Certificates | Upheld - full |
| The request sought daily statistics on entry certificates issued by the Isle of Man Cabinet Office between February and March 2021, categorized by key workers, compassionate grounds, and other reasons. The authority fully upheld the request, disclosing a detailed daily breakdown of certificate numbers for the specified period. | ||
| 2021-03-11 | Referred to by department of health | Some information sent but not all held |
| The requester asked the Cabinet Office for various statistics including flu death rates, vaccination status of flu deaths, and legal questions regarding common law and vaccine passports. The Cabinet Office confirmed it does not hold information on Ct/Cq thresholds, flu deaths by vaccination status, or legal definitions, but provided specific flu death statistics for 2018-2020. | ||
| 2021-03-05 | Steam Packet and Public Health meeting minutes and notice | Some information sent but not all held |
| The requester asked for meeting minutes between the Steam Packet Company and Public Health regarding crew isolation, and a copy of a government direction notice from the start of the pandemic. The Cabinet Office confirmed no such meetings occurred between February and March 2021, but released an Exemption Certificate issued to the company in March 2020. | ||
| 2021-03-04 | National Health Service (Independent Review Body)(Amendment) Regulatio | Some information sent but part exempt |
| A request was made for consultation responses and documentation regarding the 2021 amendments to NHS Independent Review Body regulations, specifically questioning the exclusion of public consultation and the handling of 2006 recommendations. The authority provided a partial response containing a letter from the NHS IRB dated November 2020, which raised concerns about the consultation process and the complexity of the proposed complaint layers, while other requested documents were withheld. | ||
| 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. | ||
| 2021-03-01 | Steam Packet Direction Notices | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought all direction notices issued by the Chief Secretary to the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company regarding the Covid-19 pandemic, including superseded ones. The Cabinet Office released some information but withheld specific details citing an absolute exemption for personal data. | ||
| 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. | ||
| 2021-02-22 | Independent Inspectors - planning appeals | Some information sent but not all held |
| A request was made for details on Independent Inspectors for planning appeals, specifically focusing on the performance appraisals and complaints regarding Mr. Michael Hurley. The Cabinet Office disclosed the list of current inspectors and confirmed no complaints against Mr. Hurley, but stated they do not hold records of his performance appraisals. | ||
| 2021-02-19 | Financial Records of Political Parties | Information not held |
| 2021-02-18 | Director of Public Health - Steampacket meeting minutes, notes, emails | Some information sent but part exempt |
| The request sought meeting minutes, notes, and emails between the Director of Public Health and the Isle of Man Steam Packet regarding staff isolation protocols during the pandemic. The authority released a partial response containing email correspondence from July and August 2020 discussing crew safety and social distancing rules, while withholding other requested information. | ||
| 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. | ||
| 2021-02-16 | Planning Appeal Number AP20/0003 (iro Planning Application 19/01401/B) | Information not held |
| A request was made for notes, minutes, transcripts, and recordings of a planning appeal hearing held on 20 August 2020. The Cabinet Office responded that it does not hold any of the requested information as minutes are not taken, recordings are not made, and the inspector's notes are not in their possession. | ||
| 2021-01-26 | Exemptions | Information not held |
| The requester asked for details regarding exemptions granted for work on private premises during the Isle of Man's circuit breaker lockdown. The Cabinet Office responded that no such exemptions were issued by them since the lockdown began. | ||
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