Benefits claims

Summary

A request was made for statistics on the number of benefit recipients and total monetary amounts paid on the Isle of Man between 2019 and 2021, including specific data on benefit reductions during COVID-19 lockdowns. The Department of Health and Social Care refused the request, stating the information is not held by them and is likely held by the Treasury.

Key Facts

• The request was received on 2022-02-03 and responded to on 2022-02-14.
• The Department of Health and Social Care does not hold the requested benefit statistics.
• The authority suggested the information may be held by the Treasury.
• The refusal was based on Section 11(3)a of the Freedom of Information Act 2015.
• The requester was advised to re-submit the request to the Treasury.

Data Disclosed

• 2022-02-03
• 2022-02-14
• 1/1/19
• 31/12/2019
• 1/1/20
• 31/12/2020
• 1/1/21
• 31/12/2021
• £310
• 2239773

Exemptions Cited

• Section 11(3)a of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Information not held)

Original Request

Under the freedome of information act, I would like to know :- 1. What is the total number of individuals that recieve any benefits on the Isle of Man from 1/1/19 to 31/12/2019? 2. What is the total number of individuals that recieve any benefits on the Isle of Man from 1/1/20 to 31/12/2020? 3. What is the total number of individuals that recieve any benefits on the Isle of Man from 1/1/21 to 31/12/2021? 4. What is the total monetary benefit amount paid out 1/1/19 to 31/12/2019? 5. What is the total monetary benefit amount paid out 1/1/20 to 31/12/2020? 6. What is the total monetary benefit amount paid out 1/1/21 to 31/12/2021? 7. During the Covid-19 lockdowns of 2020 how many individuals who normally recieve more than £310 per week in benefits had their benefits reduced to £310 per week? 8. During the Covid-19 lockdowns of 2021 how many individuals who normally recieve more than £310 per week in benefits had their benefits reduced to £310 per week?

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Interim Chief Executive: Karen Malone Freedom of Information Team First Floor Belgravia House Douglas Isle of Man IM1 1AE

Our ref: 2239773 14 February 2022

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received 3 February 2022 and which states:

"Under the freedom of information act, I would like to know :- 1. What is the total number of individuals that receive any benefits on the Isle of Man from 1/1/19 to 31/12/2019? 2. What is the total number of individuals that receive any benefits on the Isle of Man from 1/1/20 to 31/12/2020? 3. What is the total number of individuals that receive any benefits on the Isle of Man from 1/1/21 to 31/12/2021? 4. What is the total monetary benefit amount paid out 1/1/19 to 31/12/2019? 5. What is the total monetary benefit amount paid out 1/1/20 to 31/12/2020? 6. What is the total monetary benefit amount paid out 1/1/21 to 31/12/2021? 7. During the Covid-19 lockdowns of 2020 how many individuals who normally receive more than £310 per week in benefits had their benefits reduced to £310 per week? 8. During the Covid-19 lockdowns of 2021 how many individuals who normally receive more than £310 per week in benefits had their benefits reduced to £310 per week?"

Our response While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Department of Health and Social Care ('the Department') is unable to provide the information that you have requested. This is in line with Section 11(3)a of the Act, as a practical refusal reason applies; namely we do not hold or cannot, after taking reasonable steps to do so, find the information that you have requested as it may be held by Treasury. You may wish to re-submit your request to Treasury which is an option available on the Freedom of Information request portal, who may be able to help you.

Please quote the reference number 2239773 in any future communications. Your right to request a review

If you are unhappy with this response to your freedom of information request, you may ask us to carry out an internal review of the response, by completing a complaint form and submitting it electronically or by delivery/post.

An electronic version of our complaint form can be found by going to our website at https://services.gov.im/freedom-of-information/Review . If you would like a paper version of our complaint form to be sent to you by post, please contact me and I will be happy to arrange for this. Your review request should explain why you are dissatisfied with this response, and should be made as soon as practicable. We will respond as soon as the review has been concluded.

If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner for a decision on; 1. Whether we have responded to your request for information in accordance with Part 2 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015; or 2. Whether we are justified in refusing to give you the information requested.
In response to an application for review, the Information Commissioner may, at any time, attempt to resolve a matter by negotiation, conciliation, mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution and will have regard to any outcome of this in making any subsequent decision. More detailed information on your right to a review can be found on the Information Commissioner’s website at www.inforights.im. Should you have any queries concerning this letter, please do not hesitate to contact me. Further information about freedom of information requests can be found at www.gov.im/foi.

I will now close your request as of this date.