Retainers

Summary

The requester asked for policies and details regarding retainer payments for wind farm projects since 2018, but the Manx Utilities Authority disclosed that no such retainer payments have been made or arranged.

Key Facts

• The request was narrowed to focus specifically on wind farm projects (onshore and offshore) and associated works.
• Manx Utilities Authority confirmed that no retainer payments have been issued for wind farm projects.
• The Authority adheres to the Isle of Man Government's Financial Regulations for procurement.
• Consultants are engaged using Activity Schedules or Time and Expense contracts instead of retainers.
• These alternative contract structures ensure payments are only made for demonstrably completed work.

Data Disclosed

• 4893541
• 2025-08-26
• 2025-09-23
• 22 September 2025
• 1 January 2018
• IM99 1PS
• 01624 687687

Original Request

I would like to request the following information held by the Manx Utilities Authority: 1. Copies of any policies, guidance, or procedures governing the use of retainer payments (i.e. advance or recurring payments made to secure the services of consultants, engineers, or contractors before the commencement or approval of a specific project). 2. Details of any such retainer payments made by MUA since 1 January 2018, including (for each retainer): * The name of the supplier, consultant, or contractor; * The nature of the services covered by the retainer; * The date(s) and value(s) of payments; * The project or programme (if any) to which the retainer related; * Whether the project in question had received formal approval at the time the retainer was agreed.

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Manx Utilities PO Box 177, Douglas Isle of Man, IM99 1PS

e: enquiries@manxutilities.im t: 01624 687687 www.manxutilities.im

Our ref: 4893541 22 September 2025

Dear ###

We write further to your request, received 26 August 2025, which states:

“I would like to request the following information held by the Manx Utilities Authority:

1. Copies of any policies, guidance, or procedures governing the use of retainer payments (i.e. advance or recurring payments made to secure the services of consultants, engineers, or contractors before the commencement or approval of a specific project).

2. Details of any such retainer payments made by MUA since 1 January 2018, including (for each retainer):

3. The name of the supplier, consultant, or contractor;

4. The nature of the services covered by the retainer;

5. The date(s) and value(s) of payments;

6. The project or programme (if any) to which the retainer related;

7. Whether the project in question had received formal approval at the time the retainer was agreed."

After further clarification you confirmed, “I note your comments about the scope of my FOI request. To assist you I would like to narrow the scope of my request to the same categories of information but only insofar as they relate to wind farm projects (onshore and offshore) and associated works”.

Our response is as follows:

As a Statutory Board under the Isle of Man Government, Manx Utilities (MU) adheres to the Government’s Financial Regulations governing procurement processes.

Following a review of our financial records and contractual agreements, MU confirms that contractually no retainer payments have been arranged or issued in relation into wind farm projects—both onshore and offshore—and any associated works.

In engaging consultants, particularly for capital schemes—MU employs one of the following contract structures to ensure transparency, accountability, and value for public funds: • Activity Schedules Payments are issued only upon the verified completion of specific tasks outlined in a predefined schedule. This ensures that deliverables are met before any financial commitment is made. • Time and Expense Contracts Payments are based on documented evidence of work undertaken, including timesheets and itemised expenses. This structure provides flexibility while maintaining rigorous oversight.

These are designed to ensure MU only pays for work that has been demonstrably completed.

Please quote the reference number 4893541 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.

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