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) ·
DateTitleOutcome
2021-01-25Information regarding PCR testing use for Isle of Man samplesInformation not held
A request was made to the Isle of Man Cabinet Office for detailed data on PCR testing kits, including manufacturer, sensitivity, accuracy, and false positive/negative rates. The authority responded that it does not hold this information and suggested contacting the Department of Health and Social Care instead.
2021-01-18COVID Travel requestsAll 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.
2021-01-14Covid adviceSome information sent but part exempt
A request was made for all Covid-19 advice considered by the Council of Ministers regarding border controls, testing, and lockdowns, resulting in the partial release of a confidential paper from December 2020.
2021-01-14office of national statisticsSome information sent but part exempt
The request sought documents regarding plans to rename the Economic Affairs Division and establish an independent Office of National Statistics. The authority disclosed a Council of Ministers paper rejecting the recommendation for full independence, citing the division's dual role in policy and statistics, while noting plans to improve perceived independence through publication schedules and a code of conduct.
2021-01-12All 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.
2021-01-11Flu vaccine 5 year uptake.Some information sent but not all held
The request sought five years of flu vaccine uptake data for the Isle of Man, but the Cabinet Office only provided statistics for the 2019/2020 season, noting that not all requested information was held. The response includes detailed breakdowns by age group, risk category, and medical practice for October, November, and December 2019.
2021-01-112015 - 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.
2021-01-08Public Health Advice to DESC/Secondary Schools - External ExaminationsInformation not held
The requester sought Public Health advice and correspondence regarding COVID-19 safety measures for students sitting external examinations during a lockdown. The Cabinet Office responded that it does not hold the requested information.
2021-01-07Tynwald Select Committee ReportInformation not held
The requester asked for amended NHS regulations incorporating 2006 Tynwald Select Committee recommendations, but the Cabinet Office confirmed the information is not held because the regulations have not been updated.
2021-01-05Tweet at https://twitter.com/iomgovernment/status/1345716330876567552All 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.
2021-01-04ExemptionsInformation not held
The requester sought details on travel exemptions granted to companies, government departments, and statutory boards since March 2020. The Cabinet Office responded that the information is not held because exemptions are only issued to non-resident individuals, not organizations.
2020-12-29SuicidesSome information sent but not all held
A request for suicide statistics on the Isle of Man from 2016 to 2020 was partially fulfilled, as the Cabinet Office could not provide 2020 figures due to pending registrations and coding. The response disclosed available data categorized by year of registration and year of death for the period 2016 to 2019.
2020-12-29analogous terms and conditionsAll 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.
2020-12-23Request for copies of the ACMD Annual ReportsSome information sent but part exempt
The requester asked for ACMD annual reports from 2013 to 2020, but the Cabinet Office disclosed only the 2013 report as it is publicly available and confirmed that no separate reports were produced for subsequent years due to changes in the council's remit.
2020-12-23Key Worker PathwaysNot upheld
The applicant requested all versions of Key Worker pathways, supporting policy documents, and evidence regarding their creation and approval since the March 2020 border closure. The Cabinet Office provided an application form but refused to supply previous pathway versions, citing that they are already publicly available via Emergency Regulations.
2020-12-21ExemptionsInformation not held
The requester asked if the Attorney General's Chambers provided advice on the wording of Key Worker Exemptions during the pandemic. The Cabinet Office responded that it does not hold the requested information, noting that the specific wording change in question did not require legal advice.
2020-12-16Travel Notification Service Open DataAll 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.
2020-12-10Policy QueryAll 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.
2020-12-04IOM Primary Schools - Overweight and Obese Pupil DataSome information sent but not all held
The request sought BMI data for overweight and obese Reception pupils across Isle of Man primary schools for academic years 2015-16 through 2019-20, along with benchmarking data. The Cabinet Office disclosed detailed statistics for the 2015-16 and 2017-18 academic years but indicated that not all requested information was held.
2020-11-23Key worker exemption certificatesNot upheld
The request sought to identify which departments were responsible for wording, vetting, and amending Key Worker Exemption certificates issued in June 2020, specifically regarding the 'Jersey businessmen' case. The Cabinet Office responded that it issued the documents with input from relevant departments and confirmed that wording changes were made on 18 June 2020.
2020-11-20Number of individuals in self-isolationAll 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.
2020-11-09Beamans Report - Effective School GovernorsAll 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.
2020-11-05Direction NoticesSome information sent but part exempt
The requester sought an example of a Direction Notice or equivalent exemption certificate issued to a Key Worker in June 2020. The Cabinet Office provided a redacted copy of a Key Worker exemption certificate but withheld personal data under an absolute exemption.
2020-11-02Democratic Process to unelect serving Public OfficialsAll 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.
2020-11-02FOI Public Documents Memorandum and Articles of AssociationInformation not held
A request was made for the Memorandum and Articles of Association for three specific Private Unlimited Companies associated with the Isle of Man Government. The Cabinet Office responded that they do not hold this information and directed the requester to the Isle of Man Companies Registry.
2020-10-23Level 4 framework, returning residentsAll 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.
2020-10-22Freedom Of Information. Company MemorandumNot required to fulfill request
The requester asked the Cabinet Office for the Memorandum and Articles of Association for the company 'Tynwald'. The Cabinet Office responded that they do not hold this information and suggested contacting the Clerk of Tynwald's Office instead.
2020-10-20Complete Copy of a Report by Angela-Main Thompson 18.02.17No information sent - all held but exempt
The requester sought a complete copy of a 2017 report by Angela Main-Thompson reviewing potential conflicts of interest by Ministers Shimmin and Skelly regarding a planning application. The Cabinet Office confirmed the report is held but refused to disclose it, citing exemptions.
2020-10-14Essential WorkersSome information sent but not all held
A request was made for statistics on overseas essential workers in the Isle of Man over the last six months, including testing data, length of stay, and duration of visits. The Cabinet Office disclosed the number of approved applications and average stay duration but confirmed it did not hold data regarding pre-arrival COVID testing.
2020-10-06PIPAll 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.
2020-10-05Key worker exemptionsSome information sent but not all held
The request sought sector-specific data on key worker exemptions under the Emergency Powers Act since April 2020, including travel details from ports. The Cabinet Office provided exemption counts by sector but confirmed it does not hold data on how many workers traveled away from ports.
2020-10-01Key WorkersInformation not held
A request was made for communications regarding key workers who breached Covid-19 regulations, but the Cabinet Office responded that it does not hold this information.
2020-09-28Working from homeInformation not held
The requester asked for departmental breakdowns of government employees working from home, monitoring methods, and return-to-office plans. The Cabinet Office responded that it does not hold central data on the number of remote workers as these are operational decisions, though it outlined existing performance management frameworks and homeworking guidelines.
2020-09-16Request regarding Time Off In Lieu (TOIL)Some information sent but not all held
A request was made to the Isle of Man Cabinet Office for data on employee numbers and Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) policies, balances, and costs. The authority disclosed full-time and part-time employee counts but confirmed it does not hold information on TOIL balances or costs due to the operation of a flexi-time scheme.
2020-09-15Castletown housing reviewAll 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.
2020-09-14Travel RequestsSome information sent but not all held
A request for statistics on non-resident travel to the Isle of Man during partial border reopening was partially fulfilled, with specific counts provided for compassionate and contractual travel requests, while data on reasons, countries of residence, and resident departures was withheld as not held.
2020-08-31Douglas South By-Election CommunicationsAll 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.
2020-08-31Housing Affordability Ratio DataAll 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.
2020-08-31Requirements for each Level of the Borders FrameworkNot upheld
The requester asked for specific data requirements and decision-making criteria for each level of the Isle of Man's Borders Framework. The Cabinet Office responded that decisions are made by the Council of Ministers based on UK and local infection rates, but did not provide specific numerical thresholds or detailed data requirements.
2020-08-24Coronavirus Daily BriefingsSome information sent but not all held
The requester asked for details on external suppliers, costs, and justification for using outside services for the Isle of Man's coronavirus daily briefings. The Cabinet Office disclosed the background reasons for the decision, including the need for a centralized feed and remote capabilities, but did not provide specific supplier names or costs in the provided text.
2020-08-19Application of the precautionary principle to RF-EMFSome information sent but part exempt
The requester sought clarification on the Isle of Man Government's application of the precautionary principle regarding RF-EMF health impacts, specifically requesting meeting minutes and correspondence between departments. The Cabinet Office responded by providing a letter addressing a 5G mast application in Ramsey and clarifying that ICNIRP guidelines were reviewed in 2009, while noting the request was too broad for other departments.
2020-08-17Does 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.
2020-08-05Disruption to online FOI serviceAll 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.
2020-08-04Public Health DirectorateSome information sent but part exempt
A request was made for the diary and communications of the Isle of Man Public Health Director regarding COVID-19 between January and June 2020. The authority released partial diary entries for February and March 2020 but withheld other information under exemptions.
2020-07-30Returning ResidentsSome information sent but not all held
2020-07-20Details of Exemption from Isolation certificatesSome information sent but part exempt
The requester asked for a list of parties and groups granted Exemption from Isolation certificates for Critical National Infrastructure and professionals between March and August 2020. The Cabinet Office provided a list of applications but redacted the names of the applicants, citing an absolute exemption for personal data.
2020-07-14THE MEDICAL ADVICE AND ACTION ON THE BORDERSAll 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.
2020-06-29Underlying Data of "Isle of Man in Numbers 2020"No information sent - all held but exempt
The requester asked for the underlying numerical data behind the figures in the 'Isle of Man in Numbers 2020' document. The Cabinet Office responded that no information was sent because the data is already reasonably accessible via the government's Open Data website.
2020-06-23Risk Assessment Comis HotelInformation not held
A request was made for a risk assessment regarding the Comis Hotel's use as detention accommodation for repatriated residents, but the Cabinet Office stated it does not hold this information.
2020-06-04Diversity IOM PoliceInformation not held
A request was made to the Cabinet Office for statistics on the number and rank of non-white IOM Police officers. The authority responded that the information is not held by the Office of Human Resources.
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