Annual rent of land adjacent to Nobles Hospital

Summary: The requester inquired about the annual lease cost of land adjacent to Nobles Hospital leased to the Ballafletcher Sports Council to compare subletting rates. The Department of Education, Sport and Culture disclosed that the annual rent is £4.00, assigned in 2012 to support sports participation.

The land adjacent to Nobles Hospital is leased to the Ballafletcher Sports Council.

The low rent contributes to the Department's policy of promoting sports participation on the Island.

The response was issued on 23 February 2018.


What was the total cost of the 8 folk who accepted Mars?

Summary: A request was made to the Isle of Man Department of Health and Social Care for the total cost associated with eight individuals who accepted Mars. The authority responded by disclosing the total cost and the resulting annual savings.

The request concerned the cost of 8 individuals who accepted Mars.

The Department of Health and Social Care provided the full information requested.

The total cost for the 8 individuals was £198,494.00.

The arrangement resulted in an annual saving of £193,940.00.

The response was issued on 19th March 2018 under FOI Reference IM121-856i.


driving instructors pass rates

Summary: The requester asked if driving instructors have daily limits on the number of students they can pass, but the Department of Infrastructure clarified that the question pertains to examiners, not instructors. The authority confirmed that there are no maximum or minimum limits on the number of people allowed to pass on a daily basis.

The request was directed at the Department of Infrastructure regarding driving test pass rates.

The authority corrected the requester's terminology, noting that examiners, not instructors, conduct the tests.

There are no daily maximum or minimum limits on the number of candidates allowed to pass.

The response was issued under the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

The requester has the right to an internal review or appeal to the Information Commissioner if dissatisfied.


Examination boards for Island secondary schools 2015-16 and 2016-17

Summary: A Freedom of Information request was made to the Department of Education, Sport and Culture for details on which examination boards were selected by Isle of Man secondary schools for GCSE subjects in the 2015-16 and 2016-17 academic years. The authority responded by providing the complete requested data in attached tables for schools including Ballakermeen, Castle Rushen, Queen Elizabeth II, and Ramsey Grammar School.

The request covered GCSE examination board selections for Year 11 pupils across two academic years.

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture provided all requested information without redaction.

Data was supplied for multiple schools including Ballakermeen, Castle Rushen, and Queen Elizabeth II.

Examination boards mentioned include Edexcel, AQA, CIE, OCR, WJEC, and Pearson.

The response letter was dated 16th March 2018 and the outcome was confirmed on 19th March 2018.


Issue of Fixed Penalty Notices (including Endorseable FPN) by the Constabulary for the calendar year 1 January 2017 - 31 December 2017

Summary: The request sought data on Fixed Penalty Notices issued by the Isle of Man Constabulary in 2017, broken down by unit and offence type. The authority disclosed full statistics for both Endorseable and Non-Endorseable penalties across all requested categories.

A total of 418 Endorseable Fixed Penalty Notices were issued in 2017.

A total of 69 Non-Endorseable Fixed Penalty Notices were issued in 2017.

Exceeding the statutory speed limit was the most common Endorseable offence with 221 notices.

Failing to wear a seatbelt was the most common Non-Endorseable offence with 44 notices.

The Roads Policing Unit issued the highest number of Endorseable penalties (148).

The Douglas area issued the highest number of Non-Endorseable penalties (48).


No information sent - all held but exempt

Summary: The requester asked for the cost of buying and leasing buses since 2016 with a breakdown of vehicle types. The Department of Infrastructure confirmed no buses are currently leased but withheld purchase costs under Section 30 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 due to commercial sensitivity.

No buses in the Bus Vannin fleet are currently leased.

Leasing was previously evaluated and found to be much more expensive than buying.

Purchase costs for buses are exempt from disclosure to protect commercial interests.

In 2016, the department purchased 2 Mercedes City 45s and 4 Mercedes Citaro Ks.

In 2017, the department purchased 2 Wright Volvo double deckers.

Section 30 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Commercial interests)


Service Delivery Plan 2016-2021 details

Summary: The requester asked for details on Key Stage 2-4 value-added performance measures in Isle of Man secondary schools following a missed target in the 2016-2021 Service Delivery Plan. The Department of Education, Sport and Culture responded that schools evaluate performance against developed IOM benchmarks and provided attached guidance on achievement against prior attainment.

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture confirmed that IOM benchmarks referenced in the strategic plan have been developed since its publication.

Schools are required to evaluate performance against indicators including Attainment and Achievement.

The Education Improvement Service requires schools to determine if pupils make expected progress over time.

The response included a document titled 'SSRE Secondary Toolkit guidance on Achievement against Prior Attainment – Secondary 2016/17'.

The overall judgment on achievement is made against progress from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 4.


The Manufactuers name for the extra eqt for the return ttrays and reeders/tender process

Summary: The requester asked for manufacturer details, pricing, and tender information regarding extra equipment for return trolleys and reeders at the Department of Infrastructure. The authority refused to disclose any information, classifying the request as vexatious due to the high volume and burden of requests submitted by the individual.

The request was refused under section 11(3)(d) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 as vexatious.

The requester submitted 17 individual requests over a 15-week period.

These 17 requests accounted for almost one-third of all requests received by the Department of Infrastructure since January 2017.

The Department had previously issued three formal warnings advising the requester on proper request formatting.

The refusal applies to the specific requests rather than the requester personally.

17 individual requests
15 weeks
almost one third
January 2017
28th February 2018
4th March 2018
6th March 2018
3 formal occasions
section 11(3)(d)
section 2.4(b)
section 2.2(b)
decision notice 2016/0003

Section 11(3)(d) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Vexatious requests)


Results of the Autumn 2017 Have Your Say Survey for all schools on the Isle of Man

Summary: The request sought the Autumn 2017 'Have Your Say' survey results for all Isle of Man schools, which were partially disclosed via the Department's website. Individual reports were withheld for nine primary schools because their survey response groups contained fewer than 10 people, violating external market research codes.

Survey results were published on the Department of Education, Sport and Culture website rather than attached to the response.

An external provider conducted the survey and is bound by the Market Research Society's code of conduct.

Individual reports cannot be released for survey groups with fewer than 10 respondents.

Responses from the nine schools without individual reports were aggregated into a general 'Primary' results set.

The response was issued by Chief Executive Officer Ronald Barr on 21 March 2018.

Market Research Society's strict code of conduct prohibiting release of data for groups under 10 people

ISO20252 quality standard adherence by external provider


procurement of service and supply of fire extinguishers in its premises and vehicles

Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture

Summary: The requester asked for details on DEFA's procurement of fire extinguishers and spending between 2015 and 2018. DEFA disclosed that it holds no procurement records as the service is now managed by the Department of Infrastructure, but provided total spending figures for the requested period.

DEFA does not hold records of any procurement process for fire extinguishers during the requested period.

The purchase and maintenance of fire extinguishers for DEFA buildings and vehicles is now managed by the Department of Infrastructure.

The request was received on 1st March 2018 and responded to on 20th March 2018.

Information not held by the public authority


How many visitors the Manx Museum has had in the past three years/budget for Manx National Heritage as a figure for the past three years.

Summary: The request sought Manx Museum visitor numbers and Manx National Heritage budget figures for the past three years. The authority disclosed specific visitor statistics for 2015-2017 and net approved budget amounts for the 2015/16 to 2017/18 financial years.

Manx Museum visitor numbers increased from 63,953 in 2015 to 72,661 in 2017.

Manx National Heritage's net approved budget for 2017/18 was £4,411,000.

Manx National Heritage's net approved budget for 2016/17 was £4,289,000.

Manx National Heritage's net approved budget for 2015/16 was £3,963,000.

Budget figures are publicly available in the Government's Budget Book (Pink Book).

Separate accounts are produced for the Manx Museum and National Trust, which is a registered charity.


Lord Street/North Quay development

Summary: The requester asked for communications, tender documents, rent details, and a draft lease regarding the Lord Street/North Quay development. The Department for Enterprise released correspondence from the three months prior to the request but redacted personal contact information for developer staff.

The request concerned the Lord Street/North Quay development project.

The Department for Enterprise provided correspondence between the Development Team Co-ordinator and developers Kane Ltd and JLL.

Personal telephone numbers of developer staff were redacted from the released documents.

The request was clarified to cover the three months prior to 6 March 2018.

The response was issued on 18 April 2018.

Section 25 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Absolutely exempt personal information)

Data Protection Act 2002 (Fairness and lawfulness principles)


Driving, motorcycle, HGV test pass rates


cost of repairing damage caused to Ramsey and Douglas Promenades by Storm Emma

Summary: A request was made for the estimated cost of repairing damage to Ramsey and Douglas Promenades caused by Storm Emma. The Department of Infrastructure responded that the information is not held because the damage assessment was still ongoing at the time.

The request was submitted on 5th March 2018.

The Department of Infrastructure stated they do not hold the requested cost estimates.

The authority was still in the process of clearing up the storm's aftermath.

A full assessment of the damage had not yet been completed.

The requester was advised to re-submit the question in a few weeks.


Refusal of Multiple FOI requests

Summary: The Department of Infrastructure refused multiple Freedom of Information requests regarding airport scanners, port construction, and sea wall heights, classifying them as vexatious due to their frequency and burden on resources.

The requests were refused under section 11(3)(d) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 as vexatious.

The requester submitted 17 individual requests over a 15-week period.

These requests accounted for almost one-third of all requests received by the Department since January 2017.

The Department had previously issued three formal warnings advising the requester to comply with the Act.

The refusal applies to the specific requests rather than the requester personally.

28th February 2018
4th March 2018
6th March 2018
15 weeks
17 individual requests
6 requests to one Division
3 withdrawn requests
January 2017
almost one third
section 11(3)(d)
section 2.4(b)
section 2.2(b)
decision notice 2016/0003


How many times has The Barrule been out of port in the past 12 months and when?

Summary: The request asked for the number of times and specific dates the vessel 'The Barrule' was out of port in the past 12 months. The authority disclosed the total number of trips but withheld the specific dates under a qualified exemption to prevent prejudice to crime prevention and enforcement tactics.

The Barrule vessel was out of port 47 times between 06/03/2017 and 05/03/2018.

The specific dates of these trips were withheld from the public.

The exemption was applied under section 32(1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture determined that withholding the dates outweighed the public interest in disclosure.

Disclosure of dates was deemed likely to hinder the prevention and detection of illegal fishing activities.

Section 32(1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Prejudice to prevention or detection of crime, apprehension or prosecution of offenders, administration of justice)


National Insurance Contributions

Summary: The requester asked for details on employee National Insurance contributions in the Isle of Man, and the Treasury responded by providing the specific earnings thresholds and percentage rates effective from April 2018.

National Insurance contribution rates for employees and employers remained unchanged from April 2017 to April 2018.

The Lower Earnings Limit (LEL) increased to £116 per week from April 2018.

Employee contributions for Not Contracted-out earnings above the threshold up to the Upper Accrual Point are 11%.

Employee contributions for Contracted-out Salary related earnings above the threshold up to the Upper Accrual Point are 9.4%.

The Upper Earnings Limit (UEL) for weekly earnings is set at £784.


Cardiac arrests statistics


Population Equivalent for proposed Peel STW.

Summary: The request sought the Population Equivalent for the proposed Peel sewage treatment works and confirmation that it would not treat effluent from outside Peel and the former Raggatt Tip. The authority disclosed current and estimated population figures but stated it did not hold information confirming the exclusion of external catchment areas as no final designs exist.

The current effluent licence for discharge into Peel is for a population equivalent of 5,560.

A 2016 feasibility study estimated a population equivalent of 6,257 for the Peel works.

Manx Utilities does not hold information confirming that effluent from outside the current Peel catchment is excluded.

Final designs and decisions regarding the catchment area have not yet been made.

A full consultation on the outline design is expected around June 2018.

Information not held or cannot be found after taking reasonable steps


Yearly Heating costs of Cronk -Y-Berry Primary School each year from 2010 to present date

Summary: A request was made for the yearly heating costs of Cronk-y-Berry Primary School from 2010 to 2018, but the Department of Infrastructure responded that they do not hold this information.

The Department of Infrastructure does not hold the requested heating cost data.

The Department of Infrastructure is not responsible for the heating costs of Cronk-y-Berry School.

The requester was advised to contact the Department of Education Sports and Culture instead.

The request was handled under the Freedom of Information Act 2015.


Fire doors

Summary: The requester asked for the number of prosecutions regarding fire door maintenance failures in the last 10 years and since 2014 regulations. The Department of Home Affairs clarified the scope and disclosed that six separate prosecutions involved issues with fire doors.

The request was received on 2018-03-08 and responded to on 2018-03-15.

The original request was clarified via phone and email to focus on prosecutions relating to the fitting and maintenance of fire doors.

Six separate prosecutions were identified involving fire door issues.

Specific issues cited included fire door locks, lack of maintenance, doors not closing into rebates, detached hinges, and doors wedged open.

The authority noted that court cases regarding these prosecutions are open to the public.


IM123949I Inspection fire doors

Summary: A request was made for the qualifications of personnel inspecting fire doors in Isle of Man Government buildings. The Department of Infrastructure responded that the information is not held because there are no specific qualification requirements for carrying out these inspections.

The request concerned qualifications for inspecting fire door sets in government-owned buildings.

The Department of Infrastructure stated it does not hold the requested information.

There are no specific requirements for qualifications to carry out fire door inspections.

The request was processed under the Freedom of Information Act 2015.


names of the companies who have put in a bid for the tender of Family Placement Service.

Summary: A request was made for the names of companies that bid for the Family Placement Service tender, but the Department of Health and Social Care responded that the information is not held because no Invitation to Tender was issued.

The request was received on 2018-03-08 and responded to on 2018-04-03.

The Department of Health and Social Care stated they do not hold the requested information.

No Invitation to Tender was issued for the Family Placement Service, meaning no bids exist.

The refusal was based on section 11(3)a of the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

The requester was informed of their right to an internal review or appeal to the Information Commissioner.

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


Contracted UDA's and provider performances


Appeal request for 16/01131/REM

Summary: The requester sought the reasons for and identity of the appellant regarding planning application 16/01131/REM, which were not visible online. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture disclosed that a hard copy appeal letter was filed and subsequently uploaded to the online system, providing a link to access the information.

The request concerned an appeal for planning application reference 16/01131/REM.

The authority confirmed a hard copy appeal letter was filed on the public planning application file.

The appeal letter has been uploaded to the online environment for public access.

The response was issued by the Freedom of Information Co-ordinator at the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.

The request was closed on 15th March 2018.


Vehicles owned and maintained by DOI

Summary: The request sought the total number of vehicles owned and maintained by the Department of Infrastructure (DOI) and other government departments. The DOI disclosed that 1,188 road vehicles are managed across nine departments but exempted steam railway and Manx Electric Railway figures as they are already publicly accessible.

The DOI manages 1,188 road vehicles for work-related duties via the Fleetwave system.

Vehicle counts exclude engineering tools, trailers, boats, steam railway, and MER vehicles.

DOI maintains vehicles for DEFA, DHSC, DHA, Enterprise, Treasury, Cabinet Office, Education, Sport & Culture, and Manx Utilities.

Information regarding Steam Railway and MER fleets was withheld under Section 20 of the Act as it is already reasonably accessible to the public.

The response was issued on 29 March 2018 following a request received on 26 March 2018.

Section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Information already reasonably accessible)


Prosecutions for breaches of the AML/CFT Code

Summary: The request sought statistics on prosecutions for breaches of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Code from 2011 to 2018. The Attorney General's Chambers disclosed that only two cases were referred in 2017, with one resulting in a guilty plea and the other still pending.

The request covered the period from 11 October 2011 to April 2018.

No cases were referred to the Attorney General's Chambers for prosecution between 2011 and 2016.

Two matters were referred for consideration of prosecution in 2017.

One of the 2017 cases resulted in a guilty plea in the same year.

The second 2017 case was still being pursued through the Court as of April 2018.


Recent redevelopment, 2 dwellings, Gelling's Avenue, Port St. Mary

Summary: The request sought all correspondence, file notes, dimensions, site levels, declarations of interest, and completion certificates regarding a redevelopment of two dwellings on Gelling's Avenue. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture disclosed the requested information via a password-protected memory stick, with some personal data redacted and publicly available planning details noted as exempt.

The request concerns the redevelopment of two dwellings at Gelling's Avenue, Port St. Mary.

Information was provided on a password-protected memory stick due to file size.

Personal information was redacted under Section 25 of the Freedom of Information Act.

Publicly available planning information was exempted under Section 20.

The case outcome was recorded as 'Not upheld' on 2018-08-01.

Section 20 (Information accessible to applicant by other means)


The names of the Directors of IOM Meat Trading Company

Summary: A request was made for the names of the directors of IOM Meat Trading Company, but no information was disclosed because the data is already reasonably accessible via the Companies Registry.

The request was handled under the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

Information was withheld under section 20 as it is already reasonably accessible to the public.

The correct company name to search is 'Isle of Man Meat Company'.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture provided a direct link to the Companies Registry.

The requester was informed of their right to an internal review or appeal to the Information Commissioner.

Section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Information reasonably accessible)


Heritage Trail

Summary: A request was made for the estimated cost of proposed works to the Heritage Trail, to which the Department of Infrastructure disclosed the cost for one specific section while citing that other budget details were already publicly accessible.

The estimated cost for works from Peel power station to the weir near Glenfaba Bridge is £10,000.

The request was received on 12 March 2018 and responded to on 21 March 2018.

The authority stated that some requested information is already reasonably accessible via the Isle of Man Budget.

A screenshot of page 99 of the 2018 Pink Book was attached to the response.

The response was issued by the Department of Infrastructure.

Section 20 of the Act (Information already reasonably accessible)


Breaches of AML/CFT Code

Isle of Man Financial Services Authority

Summary: The request sought annual statistics on AML/CFT Code breaches, investigations, prosecutions, and regulatory actions from 2011 to 2017. The Authority disclosed the data in a table, noting that civil penalties are not imposed under the Code itself but referenced a separate penalty under the Financial Services Act 2008.

The data covers the period from 11 October 2011 to 2017, broken down by calendar year.

There is no power to impose civil penalties directly under the AML/CFT Code 2015.

The number of investigated cases includes those referred for prosecution and those subject to regulatory action.

Data excludes minor breaches where the regulated entity remediated the issue internally.

No data was provided specifically for suspected breaches.

2011: 0 investigations, 0 prosecutions, 0 civil penalties, 0 regulatory actions

2012: 1 investigation, 1 prosecution, 0 civil penalties, 0 regulatory actions

2013: 0 investigations, 0 prosecutions, 0 civil penalties, 0 regulatory actions

2014: 1 investigation, 0 prosecutions, 0 civil penalties, 3 regulatory actions

2015: 0 investigations, 0 prosecutions, 0 civil penalties, 0 regulatory actions

2016: 1 investigation, 1 prosecution, 0 civil penalties, 1 regulatory action

2017: 1 investigation, 1 prosecution, 0 civil penalties, 3 regulatory actions


Arts Council Funding Awards

Summary: The requester asked for a list of Arts Council funding awards and board members from the last 10 years. The Department provided full financial amounts and board tenure details but redacted individual recipient names due to data protection exemptions.

Recipient names for awards, grants, and loans were redacted under Section 25 of the Freedom of Information Act.

Full monetary amounts for all awards, grants, and loans were disclosed despite the redaction of names.

Information on current Arts Council board members was deemed reasonably accessible via the official website.

A table of historical board members serving from 2011 to 2017 was provided with appointment and end dates.

The response was issued by the Department of Education, Sport and Culture on 16 April 2018.

Section 25 (exempt personal information) of the Freedom of Information Act

Section 20 (information already reasonably accessible)


IOMFSA Enforcement Procedures

Summary: The requester asked for internal IOMFSA enforcement policy documents comparable to the UK FCA's guides, but the authority withheld the information citing a future publication exemption while providing links to existing public overviews and a flowchart.

The request was received on 13 March 2018 and the response was issued on 29 March 2018.

The IOMFSA refused to disclose internal documents because they are held with a view to future publication.

The authority provided a link to a 'Disciplinary Unit Procedure Flowchart' as an alternative resource.

The provided flowchart covers regulatory decision-making but explicitly excludes criminal investigations.

The exemption applied is Section 41 of the Freedom of Information Act.

Section 41 of the Act (Information held with a view to future publication)


Food Safety Inspection Reports

Request lapsed - requested information not provided

Summary: A request was made for food safety inspection reports for premises in Castletown since January 2015, but the requester subsequently withdrew the request in total after clarification discussions.

The request was submitted to the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture on 2018-03-26.

The requester sought full food safety reports for Castletown businesses issued since 1st January 2015.

The authority sent a clarification email on 4th April 2018 which was initially routed to the requester's spam folder.

Following a telephone conversation, the requester formally withdrew the FOI request on 17 April 2018.

The requester cited the number of premises and the nature of visits as reasons for the withdrawal.


Children in the Buchan and King William's College that the government is paying for

Summary: The request sought details on government-funded students at the Buchan and King William's College, specifically regarding exclusions from other schools. The Department of Education disclosed that only one student at King William's College receives a historical scholarship, which is not linked to any exclusions.

There is currently one pupil at King William's College supported by a Department scholarship.

The scholarship is historical and will be discontinued once the current student completes their studies.

No pupils have been awarded this scholarship as a result of being excluded or expelled from other schools.

No information was provided regarding the Buchan school as no government-funded pupils were identified there.

The response was issued on 23 March 2018 by the Department of Education, Sport and Culture.


Minutes of Trustees of Manx National Heritage

Summary: The requester sought minutes regarding the Manx National Heritage Trustees' decision not to acquire the Old Castletown Police Station. The authority confirmed that all requested information was released in a single document containing two pages.

The request concerned the decision not to acquire the Old Castletown Police Station.

Manx National Heritage released all requested information.

The response consisted of one document spanning two pages.

The request was received on 15 March 2018 and closed on 5 April 2018.


Police Stations

Summary: The request sought details on former police station sales and current officer numbers on the Isle of Man. The Department of Home Affairs disclosed that three non-operational properties were sold but stated they do not hold data on officer numbers, advising the requester to contact the Isle of Man Constabulary.

Three former police stations were sold in the past 5 years.

All sold properties were non-operational at the time of sale.

The Department of Home Affairs does not hold information on the number of active police officers.

The requester was advised to re-issue the officer number request to the Isle of Man Constabulary.

The response was issued under the Freedom of Information Act 2015.


Government owned properties

Summary: A request was made for a list of government-owned properties excluding social housing and those used for crime prevention or protecting vulnerable people. The Treasury responded with a partial list of properties owned by various departments as of March 2017, noting that not all information was held.

The response includes properties owned by Government Departments and Manx National Heritage.

Properties listed cover police stations, fire stations, ambulance stations, and airport assets.

The data provided reflects the property portfolio status as of March 2017.

The outcome was classified as 'Some information sent but not all held'.

The request explicitly excluded social housing and properties used for crime prevention.


How many Men/Women take their own lives each year on the Isle of Man

Summary: A request was made for annual statistics on suicides by gender on the Isle of Man to support a charity initiative, but the authority refused to provide the data.

The request was received by the Isle of Man Courts of Justice on 26 March 2018.

The authority determined the information was already reasonably accessible to the public.

The requester was directed to contact the Civil Registry at the Department of Enterprise for publicly held registers.

The request was closed on 29 March 2018 with no information sent.

The requester was informed of their right to an internal review and subsequent appeal to the Information Commissioner.

26 March 2018
29 March 2018
373645
Section 20
Freedom of Information Act 2015


By what statutory instrument was common law abolished in the IOM

Summary: The requester asked for the statutory instrument that abolished common law in the Isle of Man and how this was disclosed to the public. The Attorney General's Chambers clarified that common law was not abolished entirely, noting it still applies to civil law, while the Criminal Code 1872 replaced it for criminal offences, and directed the requester to public legislative websites for historical records.

Common law continues to apply in the Isle of Man for civil law matters.

The Criminal Code 1872 applies to criminal offences, meaning common law no longer generally applies in that specific jurisdiction.

The Attorney General's Chambers does not hold specific records on the method of public disclosure used at the time the Criminal Code 1872 was introduced.

Historic parliamentary records and legislation are available via the Tynwald website and the Public Records Office.

The office cannot provide legal advice or appraisals on the application of common law.

Information not held by the authority
Inability to provide legal advice


Accounts of the Rest of old Horses and the MSPCA

Summary: A request was made for the accounts of the Rest of old Horses and the MSPCA, but no information was disclosed because the data is already reasonably accessible to the public via the Department of Economic Development.

The request was handled by the Attorney General's Chambers under the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

The authority determined that the requested information is already reasonably accessible to the requester.

The information can be obtained from the Department of Economic Development charities section.

The requester was informed of their right to an internal review or to contact the Information Commissioner.

The outcome was classified as 'No information sent - all held but exempt'.


Transsexual, transgender and gender-fluid prisoners

Summary: The requester asked if the Isle of Man Department of Home Affairs had specific policies for transgender and gender-fluid prisoners. The authority confirmed that no such specific policy exists, stating instead that individual care plans are created for each offender based on their unique needs and transition stage.

There is no specific policy or procedure for the placement, management, health, and welfare of transsexual, transgender, or gender-fluid prisoners.

There is no intention to create a specific policy for these groups.

Each case is managed individually with a unique care plan based on the offender's transition stage and needs.

The Isle of Man Prison manages both male and female offenders on a single site, allowing for flexible transition and location management.

Prisoners are designated by gender and managed as either a man or a woman.


Unabridged version of the Wooler Report

Summary: The requester asked if an unabridged version of the Wooler Report is available to the public. The Attorney General's Chambers confirmed that only the Executive Summary is publicly available, not the full report.

The unabridged version of the Wooler Report is not currently available to the public.

The Executive Summary of the Wooler Report has been published by the Cabinet Office.

The response was issued by the Attorney General's Chambers on 31 August 2017.

The request was made under the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

Applicants have the right to request an internal review or appeal to the Information Commissioner.


Public warning sirens

Summary: The requester asked for the annual cost and rationale of the Isle of Man's public warning siren system, as well as studies on using social media as a cost-saving alternative. The Department of Home Affairs disclosed the maintenance costs, the number of sirens, the rationale regarding mobile network failures, and confirmed that no specific studies on social media alternatives were provided, though work with GTS is ongoing.

There are 31 public warning sirens on the Island, introduced in 2005.

The annual maintenance cost for the siren system is £10,000.

Six of the sirens are also used by the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service to alert staff.

Mobile phone networks can reach capacity during large-scale emergencies, necessitating sirens as a secondary warning method.

The cost to 'mothball' the sirens was estimated at £6,000 per annum in 2013.


Lease of Ramsey Town hall

Summary: The requester asked for the annual rent and lease duration for Ramsey Police's use of Ramsey Town Hall. The Department of Home Affairs disclosed that the lease is for 21 years starting in 2012, with an annual rent of £15,300 adjusted for inflation.

The lease is between Ramsey Town Commissioners and the Department of Home Affairs.

The lease term is 21 years starting from April 1st, 2012.

The base annual rent is £15,000, adjusted for inflation.


Report DHSC management of case files & relationships with service user

Summary: A request was made for a report on the management of case files and relationships with service users in the Department of Health and Social Care, but the information was withheld as it is exempt under section 41 of the Act pending future publication.

The requested report concerns allegations regarding the Department of Health and Social Care, Children and Family Services.

The information is held but exempt from disclosure under section 41 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

The report is scheduled to be published for the 17th October sitting of Tynwald.

The exemption is maintained to allow Members of Tynwald to consider the matter before public release.

The applicant has the right to request an internal review or apply to the Information Commissioner if dissatisfied.

Section 41 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (information held with a view to future publication)


Concerning sheep worrying

Summary: The requester asked for detailed statistics on livestock worrying and dog attacks in the Isle of Man for the full year of 2017, mirroring a previous request. The Department of Home Affairs confirmed that all requested information was held and disclosed in full, including incident counts, locations, and dog details.

The request covered the full year of 2017 regarding livestock worrying and attacks.

The Isle of Man Constabulary confirmed they hold the requested information.

All information was disclosed to the requester.

No additional prosecutions were made in 2017.

Data was sourced from the Isle of Man Analysts Department and iNet records.


General questions regarding number of advocates, cases and costs

Summary: A Freedom of Information request sought details on staffing, costs, and case volumes at the Isle of Man Attorney General's Chambers. The authority disclosed specific staff numbers and total budget figures but noted that individual cost breakdowns were unavailable until the end of the financial year.

As of October 28, 2017, there were 24 Manx qualified advocates employed by the Chambers.

There were 8 other qualified legal officers and 25 non-legal staff employed at the time of the request.

The total 2017-18 salary budget for all three staff groups was £4,082,000.

The Chambers was defending 20 cases against the Government as of October 28, 2017.

The policy regarding cost recovery was updated to apply for costs at the end of every successful prosecution.


Prison catering

Summary: A Freedom of Information request was made to the Department of Home Affairs for prison utility costs and staff salaries, to which the authority responded by disclosing the specific financial figures for the 2016-2017 period while noting that healthcare staff costs were excluded.

Gas costs for heating the prison for the financial year 01 April 2016 to 31 March 2017 were £142,021.34.

Electrical usage costs for the same period were £147,359.53.

The total salary including overtime, holidays, and sickness for all prison employees was £4,294,531.67.

Financial data for Healthcare staff employed in the prison was not included as records are held by the Department of Health & Social Care.

The request was received and answered on 25 August 2017.


IOM valuer advice on sale of Ramsey Couthouse

Summary: The requester asked for the valuation report on the sale of the Ramsey Courthouse, but the Department of Home Affairs directed them to the Tynwald Hansard records instead of providing the document directly.

The request was made on 2017-03-09 and responded to on 2017-03-21.

The requested valuation information was already publicly available via a Tynwald Order paper.

The Government Valuer placed a value of £400,000 on the Ramsey Courthouse.

There was a recorded debate regarding this valuation in the Hansard.

The authority cited Section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 to avoid sending the document.


Prosecutions under sections 71 and 72 of the Criminal Code 1872

Summary: A request was made for prosecution statistics under specific sections of the Criminal Code 1872 and the Infanticide and Infant Life (Preservation) Act 1938, but the Attorney General's Chambers stated they do not hold this information.

The Attorney General's Chambers does not hold the requested prosecution data.

The request was split between the Freedom of Information Act 2015 for information created after 11 October 2011 and the Code of Practice for earlier information.

The response suggests contacting the Chief Constable of the Isle of Man Constabulary as they may hold records of these offences.

Offences under the requested statutes are classified as 'recordable offences' under the Police Records (Recordable Offences) Regulations 1999.

The request was originally submitted on 2 October 2017.


Request for details relating to the creation of a public defence unit

Summary: A request was made for all documentation regarding the creation of a public defence unit, but the Attorney General's Chambers withheld all information citing exemptions related to the conduct of public business and information already accessible by other means.

The request covered instructions, research, costings, reports, and memos related to a public defence unit.

The processing period was extended by 10 days to consider qualified exemptions.

The authority determined that disclosure would inhibit the free and frank provision of advice.

Some requested information is already available via previous Treasury FOI responses and Legal Aid Committee minutes.

The decision was made on the same day the request was received, 6 December 2017.

Section 35(b)(i) of the Act (conduct of public business)

Section 20 of the Act (information accessible to the applicant by other means)


Prison reception booklet

Summary: The requester asked for a copy of the prison reception booklet referenced in the Custody Rules 2015, but the Department of Home Affairs disclosed that no such booklet exists because inmates did not read it, providing instead various induction documents and policies covering the same information.

There is no physical reception booklet as senior officers found inmates did not read or digest information in that format.

Reception information is now delivered face-to-face by officers and recorded on various documents.

Copies of the Custody Rules are available in the prison library and on each wing.

Applications and complaints processes are combined into a single policy document.

The authority provided an 'Induction Folder' containing numerous paperwork items to replace the requested booklet.


Sale of property of Homefield Douglas

Summary: The request sought information regarding the Minister of Home Affairs' withdrawal from the sale of the Homefield property at 88 Woodbourne Road, Douglas. The authority disclosed all requested information, including email exchanges and council minutes confirming the sale was paused and subsequently withdrawn due to the site's strategic value.

The sale of Homefield was paused in early December 2016 for a private discussion between the Minister and the DHSC Minister.

A discussion paper (16/266) prepared for the Council of Ministers was withdrawn before the meeting on December 8, 2016.

The Council of Ministers formally agreed to withdraw the paper regarding the proposed sale.

The Department of Home Affairs confirmed on December 19, 2016, that Homefield was taken off the market after reconsidering its strategic value.

The Minister noted that the potential buyer might go public with their discontent regarding the decision.


Registration Ramsey Courthouse

Summary: The requester asked about existing covenants on the deeds or registration of the Ramsey Courthouse building and grounds. The Department of Home Affairs disclosed that this information was already made publicly available through a Tynwald Question and its subsequent Hansard record.

The request concerned covenants on the Ramsey Courthouse building and grounds.

The information requested was the subject of a Tynwald Question on March 21, 2017.

The Department of Home Affairs directed the requester to Hansard for the information.

The response was issued by Simon Griffin, Director of Social Policy.

The authority cited Section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 regarding reasonably accessible information.

March 2nd 2017
March 21st 2017
IM79828I
Section 20
Part 2


Prison food, bread, dairy and meat

Summary: A Freedom of Information request was made to the Department of Home Affairs regarding the origin of bread, cream, potatoes, and meat supplied to the Isle of Man Prison. The authority confirmed that most items are sourced from local suppliers or grown on-site, though bread and cream are not Manx-made.

Bread used in the prison is not locally made but purchased from a local supplier under a tender agreement.

Cream used is not Manx-made; it is long-life cream.

Potatoes are primarily grown within the prison, with local suppliers used as a backup when prison-grown stock is unavailable.

The vast majority of meat is Manx and sourced from a well-known Manx meat company.

Non-Manx meat is purchased from a local supplier in accordance with tender agreements.


Submission border consultations

Summary: A request was made for consultation submissions regarding proposed ID verification measures at harbours from the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company and the Information Commissioner. The Department of Home Affairs disclosed the Steam Packet Company's submission but confirmed that no response was received from the Information Commissioner.

No consultation response was received from the Information Commissioner.

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company submitted a response expressing serious concerns about the proposed ID checks.

The Steam Packet Company argued that ID checks on sea passengers alone would be ineffective without a central database and checks on all traffic.

The company warned that the proposals could cost the Isle of Man economy between £10m and £15m annually.

The consultation in principle was dated December 2015.


income tax revenue


Unpublished FOI requests

Summary: The requester asked for a 12-month breakdown of Freedom of Information requests received, refused, answered, and published by the Department of Infrastructure. The authority responded by providing a monthly statistical table covering the period from March 2017 to March 2018, detailing the counts for each category.

The request was received on 2018-03-28 and the response was issued on 2018-04-12.

The data covers a 12-month period from March 2017 to March 2018.

The response distinguishes between requests refused in full, partially refused, answered in full, and withdrawn.

Reasons for non-publication include requests containing identifiable information, withdrawals, or conversion to business as usual.

The Department of Infrastructure provided the data in an attached appendix rather than within the letter body.


Electoral Roll Fines

Summary: The requester asked for the number of people fined and the total amount collected for failing to complete electoral roll returns on time. The Attorney General's Chambers responded that no prosecutions were brought, meaning zero people were fined and no money was collected.

The request was received on 23 March 2018.

The response was issued on 19 April 2018.

No prosecutions have been brought for not completing electoral roll returns on time.

The number of people fined for this offense is zero.

Consequently, no fines have been collected.


Unpublished FOI requests

Summary: 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.

The Cabinet Office received 56 FOI requests between 28 March 2017 and 28 March 2018.

Of the 56 requests, 6 were withdrawn and 49 were responded to.

The authority does not hold the requested data broken down by month.

The response cites section 8(3) of the Act to justify not creating the monthly breakdown.

The response cites section 20 of the Act regarding information already reasonably accessible on the government website.

Section 8(3) of the Act (not obliged to create information)

Section 20 of the Act (information already reasonably accessible)


Unpublished FOI requests

Summary: The requester asked for statistics on Freedom of Information requests received, refused, answered, and published by the Department for Enterprise over the previous 12 months. The authority provided a detailed breakdown of request outcomes, noting that while some information was exempt, all responses had since been published on the government log.

The request covered the 12-month period prior to 26 March 2018.

A total of 31 FOI requests were received by the Department for Enterprise.

11 requests resulted in all information being sent to the requester.

8 requests were partially exempt, meaning some information was withheld.

At the time of the response, 8 FOI responses had not yet been published, though all were published by the time of the letter.

Information already reasonably accessible (Section 20 of the Act)

Partial exemptions applied to 8 requests

5 requests where all held information was exempt


Unpublished FOI requests

Summary: The request sought statistics on Freedom of Information requests received, refused, answered, and published by the Department of Education, Sport and Culture over the previous 12 months. The department disclosed that 93 requests were received and 88 were answered, while refusing to provide data on published requests.

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture received 93 FOI requests in the 12 months prior to March 27, 2018.

88 of the received requests were answered.

2 requests were refused because they were not valid under section 9(1) of the Freedom of Information Act.

1 request was withdrawn by the requester and 1 was on hold pending clarification.

The department did not provide the number of requests published on the government website.

Section 9(1) of the Freedom of Information Act (invalid requests)


Unpublished FOI requests

Summary: The requester asked for monthly statistics on Freedom of Information requests received, refused, answered, and published by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture over the last 12 months. The authority provided aggregate totals for the period but stated it could not supply monthly breakdowns as the data is not held in that format.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture received 53 FOI requests between 27 March 2017 and 27 March 2018.

32 of the 53 requests (61%) were published on the government website.

7 requests (13%) resulted in no information being released due to exemptions or practical limitations.

12 requests (23%) were for information the department did not hold.

The department refused to provide monthly statistics because it does not hold data in that format and is not obliged to create new information under s.8(3) of the FoI Act.

Information held was considered exempt under the Act

Request was too large and not reasonably practicable to fulfill without being more focused

Obligation to create information does not exist under s.8(3) of the FoI Act


Unpublished FOI requests

Summary: The requester asked for monthly statistics on FOI requests received, refused, answered, and published by the Department of Health and Social Care 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.

The Department of Health and Social Care received 103 FOI requests in the 12 months between 12 April 2017 and 12 April 2018.

Of the 103 requests, 7 were withdrawn and 96 were responded to.

The authority declined to provide monthly breakdowns as they do not hold the information in that format.

The response cites Section 8(3) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 regarding the obligation not to create information.

The authority directed the requester to a public website for information already reasonably accessible under Section 20.

Section 8(3) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (not obliged to create information)

Section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (information already reasonably accessible)


Unpublished FOI requests

Summary: The requester asked for statistics on Freedom of Information requests received, refused, answered, and published by the Department of Home Affairs over the previous 12 months. The authority responded by providing an embedded Excel spreadsheet containing the requested data.

The request was received by the Department of Home Affairs on 2018-03-27.

The response was issued on 2018-04-05 with the outcome 'All information sent'.

The data covers the 12-month period from March 2017 to March 2018.

The information was provided in an Excel file named 'FoI requests March 2017-8.xlsx'.

The response references the Freedom of Information Act 2015 regarding review rights.


Unpublished FOI requests

Summary: The request sought monthly statistics on Freedom of Information requests received, refused, answered, and published by the Isle of Man Treasury over the preceding 12 months. The Treasury responded by providing all requested data in a table, noting that 100% of responses were published on the disclosure log.

The request covered the period from March 2017 to February 2018.

100% of the Treasury's FOI responses during this period were published on the government disclosure log.

Refusal notices were issued under sections 11(2)(a), 11(2)(b), and 11(2)(c) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

The Treasury provided additional data on requests withdrawn by applicants and whether refusals applied to whole or partial responses.

The highest number of requests received in a single month was 11 in October 2017.

4 occasions of refusal under section 11(2)(a)

11 occasions of refusal under section 11(2)(b)

2 occasions of refusal under section 11(2)(c)

Section 11(2)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (exemptions engaged)

Section 11(2)(b) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (practical refusal reasons)

Section 11(2)(c) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (clarification not received under section 14(2))


Travel expenses

Summary: A request was made for travel statistics and costs for off-island flights and sailings in 2016/17, along with contract rates for airlines. The Department of Health and Social Care disclosed the total numbers and costs for flights and sailings but withheld specific contract rates due to commercial confidentiality.

Total off-island air flights in 2016/17 were 18,180 with a cost of £3.1M.

Total off-island boat journeys in 2016/17 were 778 with a cost of £61,500.

The Department has an agreement with Flybe for specific prices and flexible terms.

Actual contract rates with Flybe were withheld as they are commercially confidential.

The response was issued on 16 December 2017 regarding a request dated 05 November 2017.


Out-of-catchment pupil numbers

Summary: A request was made for out-of-catchment pupil numbers and percentages for all primary and secondary schools for 2015/16 and 2016/17, but the Department of Education refused to provide the information.

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture does not hold the requested data in the specific format required.

Compiling the data would require creating or deriving information from existing records, which is not a statutory requirement.

The analysis would involve a disproportionate burden on resources across 32 primary and 5 secondary schools.

Using postcodes alone could be misleading due to changes in pupil residence since admission.

The request was refused under practical refusal reasons rather than absolute exemptions.

Section 11(3)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Practical refusal reasons)

Section 8(3) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Requirement to create or derive information)


GDS contracted UK qualification

Summary: The request sought details on the qualifications of Isle of Man NHS dentists holding General Dentistry Service contracts, specifically asking for the number with UK qualifications and the countries of origin for others. The Department of Health and Social Care disclosed a full list of 24 providers, confirming that 11 obtained their qualifications in the UK while providing the specific countries for the remainder.

11 out of 24 current NHS GDS Contract Providers gained their dental qualification in the UK.

The remaining dentists qualified in countries including Greece, South Africa, Poland, India, and the Czech Republic.

The authority provided the data voluntarily despite noting it is accessible via the General Dental Council website.

The response included dentists from community services and the hospital as requested.

The request was received on 27 March 2018 and concluded on 13 April 2018.


Agricultural Development Scheme payments

Summary: A request was made for total payments and farmer counts under the Agricultural Development Scheme, but the request lapsed because the applicant found the information via a provided link and withdrew the request.

The request was submitted to the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture on 2018-03-29.

The authority initially sought clarification on 2018-04-03 due to a failed email delivery.

The applicant confirmed they received the necessary information via a link provided by the authority.

The applicant explicitly stated there was no need to pursue the FOI request further.

The case was officially closed with an outcome of 'Request lapsed' on 2018-04-06.


IM123388I Ramsey and Douglas Prom Repair estimates

Summary: A request was made for cost estimates regarding storm damage repairs to the Ramsey and Douglas Promenades. The Department of Infrastructure responded that the requested information is not held.

The request concerned repair costs for damage caused by Storm Emma to Ramsey and Douglas Promenades.

The Department of Infrastructure stated that the information is not held.

The request was received and closed on 5 March 2018.

The response was sent via email before the MMR system was live.

Applicants have the right to request an internal review or appeal to the Information Commissioner.


Emails DHA / ICO

Summary: A request was made for emails between the Department of Home Affairs and the Information Commissioner regarding data collection from Isle of Man Steam Packet passenger manifests. The authority responded that no such records were held after searching the relevant officer's Outlook account.

The request covered the period from 23 December 2015 to the date of the request.

The search was conducted on the Outlook account of the officer managing the consultation.

No communication records were found between the Department and the Information Commissioner's Office on this topic.

The outcome was classified as 'Information not held'.

The response was issued on 8th April 2017.


Bread

Summary: A request was made to the Department of Home Affairs for details on bread and bap purchases over the last three months. The authority disclosed the specific quantities, costs, and origin of the frozen white and brown bread and baps purchased between July and October 2017.

960 loaves of frozen white bread were purchased.

810 loaves of frozen brown bread were purchased.

The bread and baps were sourced from a Manx supplier but were not made locally.

The cost per white loaf was £1.12 and per brown loaf was £1.15.


Literacy

Summary: The requester asked for data on prisoner illiteracy rates and assessment programs for learning disabilities in the Isle of Man. The Department of Home Affairs confirmed they do not hold specific literacy statistics but detailed the voluntary assessment processes and support available for dyslexia.

The Department of Home Affairs does not hold data on the number of prisoners who are illiterate or have a reading age below 11 years.

Prisoners attending education are offered voluntary assessments in English, maths, and indications of dyslexia.

Suspected cases of dyslexia are tested by college staff, and a computer-based support program is available.

The department is unable to test for learning disabilities other than dyslexia.

Assessments are not compulsory for prisoners.


Nationality of prisoners

Summary: A request was made to the Department of Home Affairs for statistics on the nationality and status of prisoners at Jurby prison. The authority disclosed the total population, the split between convicted and remand prisoners, and the breakdown of birthplaces as of December 11, 2017.

The total prison population at Jurby on the morning of December 11, 2017, was 103.

There were 91 convicted prisoners and 12 prisoners on remand.

54 prisoners were born on the Isle of Man.

11 prisoners were born elsewhere and classified as foreign nationals.


DHA steam packet emails

Summary: A request was made for emails between the Department of Home Affairs and the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company regarding harbour verification measures, but no information was disclosed as it was deemed exempt under Section 34 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

The request covered correspondence from 12th February 2016 to the date of the request.

The Department of Home Affairs refused to release the information citing Section 34 (formulation of government policy).

The authority determined that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the interest in disclosure.

The refusal was based on concerns that disclosure could compromise candid policy discussions and national security.

The requester was informed of their right to an internal review and subsequent appeal to the Information Commissioner.

12th February 2016
December 2015
26th June 2017
25th May 2017
Section 34
DHA00004
415839

Section 34 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Formulation of government policy)


Fire certificates

Summary: The requester asked for statistics on fire certificate compliance, inspection numbers, and prosecutions for flats and licensed premises in the Isle of Man for 2015-2017. The Department of Home Affairs disclosed that the regulations rely on self-regulation with minimal prosecutions, providing specific counts of compliant and non-compliant properties and inspection figures.

There are 1,457 properties containing flats on record, with 8,839 total flats.

8,547 flats are compliant with regulations, while 292 are non-compliant.

Prosecutions are rare due to a self-regulation approach; only one formal caution was issued over three years.

231 licensed premises currently hold a fire certificate issued by the Fire and Rescue Service.

Inspections of flats decreased from 1,043 in 2015 to 186 in 2017 to date.


Tourist Advertising budget

Summary: The requester asked for a breakdown of the 2016-2017 tourist advertising budget between on-island and off-island spending, including payee details. The Department for Enterprise refused to send the information directly, citing that it was already reasonably accessible via a public Hansard document.

The request was received on 2018-04-09 and responded to on 2018-05-31.

The authority handling the request was the Department for Enterprise.

The outcome was 'No information sent - all held but exempt'.

The information was directed to a specific PDF on the Tynwald website (page 21).

The requester was informed of their right to an internal review or appeal to the Information Commissioner.

Section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Information reasonably accessible)


Charles Flint QC report presented to Treasury on 30 June 2017

Summary: A request was made for the full Charles Flint QC report regarding the failure of Powerhouse Insurance Limited, but the Treasury refused to disclose it citing legal restrictions on restricted information.

The Treasury confirmed holding the report but withheld it entirely under an absolute exemption.

The report was commissioned by the Financial Services Authority to review the role of the Insurance and Pensions Authority.

The report is classified as 'restricted information' under the Insurance Act 2008.

Only Chapter 10 of the report, containing conclusions, was previously published as it excluded restricted information.

The Treasury noted the original Hansard quote incorrectly referred to 'Tower House Insurance Ltd' instead of 'Powerhouse Insurance Limited'.

30 June 2017
18.07.17
13th July 2017
7th July
2 April 2018
27 April 2018
Section 27
Freedom of Information Act 2015
Insurance Act 2008
Schedule 6
Chapter 10

Section 27 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Information the disclosure of which is restricted by law)

Paragraph 1(1) of Schedule 6 of the Insurance Act 2008


Food Hygeine

Summary: A request was made for McDonald's inspection reports and statistics on pre-informed and unannounced inspections over the last three years. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture refused to disclose any information, citing exemptions related to ongoing regulatory investigations.

The request was received on 9th April 2018 and responded to on 1st May 2018.

The authority handling the request is the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.

All requested information was withheld under section 31(2)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

The exemption applies because the information relates to investigations under the Food Act 1996 and Food Hygiene Regulations 2007.

The department determined that public interest factors favoring withholding outweighed those favoring disclosure.

Section 31(2)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Investigations and proceedings)


Statistics on Domestic Abuse

Summary: The requester asked for annual domestic abuse statistics for 2016 and 2017 broken down by the sex of the victim and offender. The Isle of Man Constabulary disclosed the full data, providing incident counts for both years along with methodological notes on how the data was recorded.

The request was made under the Freedom of Information Act 2015 and received on 9 April 2018.

The Constabulary released all requested information regarding domestic abuse incidents for 2016 and 2017.

Data includes counts of incidents where the offender and victim were male or female.

The statistics capture incidents involving family members, not just partners, and cases where both parties were violent.

Over 95% of recorded incidents were reported within two weeks of occurring.

2016 total incidents: 460
2016 male offenders: 91
2016 female offenders: 369
2016 male victims: 370
2016 female victims: 90
2017 total incidents: 515
2017 male offenders: 100
2017 female offenders: 415
2017 male victims: 420
2017 female victims: 95
Case reference: 416237
Date received: 2018-04-09
Outcome date: 2018-04-19


Laser Scan

Summary: A request was made for 2015 lidar/laser scan survey data of the TT and Southern 100 race courses collected by Landscope Engineering Ltd. The Department of Infrastructure refused to send the information directly, citing that it is already reasonably accessible for purchase from the Highway Services Division.

The requested data is a lidar/laser scan survey conducted in 2015 by Landscope Engineering Ltd.

The survey covered the TT and Southern 100 race courses.

The Department of Infrastructure determined the information is already reasonably accessible to the public.

The data is available for purchase from the Highway Services Division at Ellerslie Depot.

The request was closed on 5 April 2018 without information being sent.


Horse Trams

Summary: A request for 2017 Horse Trams passenger numbers, revenue, and running costs was partially fulfilled, with passenger data directed to a public website while financial figures were disclosed.

The request concerned the 2017 operating season of the Isle of Man Horse Trams.

Passenger numbers were not provided directly as they are already available on the Department's Heritage Railway website.

Revenue generated for the period was disclosed as £142,703, including a proportion of Explorer ticket takings.

Running costs were disclosed as £626,002, covering capital, revenue, and other expenditures including out-of-season costs.

The financial data source was the Axapta system for the period 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018.


Consultants.

Summary: The requester asked for the total amount paid to consultants over the last 12 months, including unpaid invoices. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed the total revenue expenditure on external consultancy for the 2017-2018 financial year but stated it could not provide a specific list of consultant payments or quantify unpaid invoices due to system limitations.

The total revenue expenditure posted to an External Consultancy budget code between 1 April 2017 and 31 March 2018 was £604,524.60 (net of VAT).

The disclosed figure relates only to revenue spend, not capital expenditure.

The government finance system does not record the category of supplier, preventing a specific report on payments to consultants without additional information like names.

Unpaid invoices cannot be quantified as they do not appear on the finance system before payment is made.

The requester declined to narrow the definition of their request when asked.


Number of perished lambs after sub zero temperatures

Summary: A request was made to the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture for the number of ewes and lambs that perished due to sub-zero temperatures between December 2017 and April 2018. The authority responded that the requested information is not held.

The request was submitted on 2018-04-06 under the Freedom of Information Act of 2015.

The authority responded on 2018-04-09 stating the information is not held.

The request covered livestock losses from 1st December 2017 to the date of the request.

The responding body is the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.

The request was closed following the response.


Glenfaba House site test borings

Summary: A request was made for the results and conclusions of test borings at the Glenfaba House site following concerns about late-night work. The Manx Utilities Authority responded by providing technical drilling records and borehole logs, though they noted that not all requested information was held.

The request was triggered by work carried out at 10:30 pm on 8 December 2017, which was alleged to contravene environmental health regulations.

The test borings were completed at the Glenfaba House site, identified as Peel STW - Site 5.

The authority provided an Exploratory Hole Key Sheet and a Borehole Log for reference BH101.

The response outcome was classified as 'Some information sent but not all held'.

The geological strata identified included topsoil, clay, sand, and weathered rock.


Climate change mitigation strategy report

Summary: The requester asked for an explanation of the 'Other' category in greenhouse gas emissions data and access to the full Aether Ltd report or alternative reports since 2015. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture explained that 'Other' is an aggregate of sources like aviation and fluorinated gases, and provided four redacted inventory documents covering 1990-2016 instead of a full unredacted report.

The 'Other' emissions category is calculated by subtracting known sources (land use, transport, electricity, buildings) from the total emissions figure.

'Other' includes contributions from aviation, fluorinated gases in refrigeration and air conditioning, firefighting, aerosols, electrical substations, and Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6) used in sports shoe manufacturing.

The Government has not commissioned any new reports on greenhouse gas emissions since 2015, but annual data is collated and sent to Aether Limited for inventory production.

The inventory production process takes two years, meaning the latest data received in March 2018 covers emissions from 1990 to 2016.

Historic emission figures may change slightly in future inventories due to continuous improvements in understanding emission sources and sinks.


GP / Meds

Summary: The request sought contracts, cost breakdowns, and complaint statistics for the Manx Emergency Doctors Service (MEDS) from 2014 to 2018. The Department of Health and Social Care disclosed the contract template, detailed financial costs for GPs and locums, and specific complaint data for the requested periods.

Contracts exist between MEDS and individual General Practitioners for out-of-hours work.

Total costs for MEDS GPs and Locum GPs were provided for financial years 2014/15 through 2017/18.

Seven specific complaints were recorded against MEDS during the 2014-2015 financial year.

Five complaints were recorded against MEDS during the 2017-2018 period prior to the official report publication.

Complaint data for 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 was provided via a public link and attached document rather than direct text.


NHS dental services on the Isle of Man

Summary: A request for data on NHS dental services in the Isle of Man was partially fulfilled, with the Department of Health and Social Care providing UDA contract numbers, average values, and completion percentages for specific years, while citing existing public availability for total contracted figures.

The average value of a Unit of Dental Activity (UDA) on the Isle of Man is £27.31.

Information on total contracted UDAs was deemed already reasonably accessible via a previous FOI response from May 2017.

The response included a table of contracted UDAs for the 2017-2018 period for 11 individual dental practices.

Completion percentages for 2016-2017 were provided for several practices, ranging from 95% to 102%.

An apology was issued for an initial omission regarding the completion percentage for Regent Dental Care (82%).

Section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Information already reasonably accessible)


Free Milk Scheme

Summary: A request was made for the number of households and total volume of milk supplied under the Isle of Man's Free Milk Scheme in 2017. The Department of Health and Social Care disclosed that 385 households were claiming benefits as of April 2018 and 115,228 pints of liquid milk were supplied in 2017.

The request was received on 5 April 2018 and responded to on 17 April 2018.

As of 1 April 2018, 385 households were claiming free milk under the Welfare Foods Scheme.

The scheme includes both liquid and dried milk.

A total of 115,228 pints of liquid milk were supplied during 2017.

The response was issued by the Department of Health and Social Care.

385 households
115,228 pints
2017
1st April 2018
5 April 2018
17 April 2018


IRBC's installed at Balladoole STW

Summary: The request sought technical specifications and operational details for Integrated Rotating Biological Contactor (IRBC) units at Balladoole Sewage Treatment Works. The authority disclosed design capacities, operational noise levels, flood risk assessments, and confirmed that the units are not airtight and rely on natural ventilation for odour control.

The IRBC units are designed to meet a requirement of 1302 Population Equivalent (PE) per unit.

The site discharge performance targets are 60 mg/l suspended solids and 40 mg/l BOD.

The units are designed for permanent continuous operation with negligible noise levels above ambient.

The site is approximately 20m above sea level, presenting no river, tidal, or surface water flood risk.

The units are not airtight as they require an air supply for aerobic digestion, and odours disperse via natural ventilation.


Income from public transport ticket sales


NSC - Grounds Maintenance Contract

Summary: A request was made for the NSC Grounds Maintenance Contract details, including costs and the awarded company. The Department of Education, Sport and Culture disclosed the contract agreement identifying Douglas Borough Council as the contractor, though some information was withheld under exemptions.

The contract is between the Department of Education, Sport and Culture and Douglas Borough Council.

The agreement covers grounds maintenance services for the NSC and The Bowl.

The contract duration is from April 2018 to March 2020.

The response outcome was 'Some information sent but part exempt'.

The Freedom of Information Act 2015 is cited as the governing legislation.

Commercially Sensitive Information
Confidential Information


Dental x-rays and opgs

Summary: The requester asked for annual statistics on dental x-rays taken under the GDS contract from 2013 to date. The Department of Health and Social Care provided specific figures for Nobles Hospital but stated that data for Primary Care Commissioned Services is not held by the department.

The request was received on 18 April 2018 and responded to on 16 May 2018.

12,376 OPG examinations were conducted at Nobles Hospital between 1 January 2013 and 10 May 2018.

654 cephalogram images were conducted at Nobles Hospital during the same period.

All examinations at Nobles Hospital were carried out under the NHS.

The department does not hold data for Primary Care Commissioned Services as it is captured via an external source.


Organ Donation

Summary: A request was made to the Isle of Man Department of Health and Social Care for detailed statistics and protocols regarding organ donation, harvesting, and transplantation over the preceding five years. The response provided in the text is a review letter confirming the request details and the review process, but it does not contain the actual statistical data or answers to the specific questions asked.

The request was received on 10 April 2018 and a response was sent on 13 April 2018.

A review of the response was requested on 13 April 2018.

The review was carried out by Mr Tim Casemore.

The request covered 16 specific questions regarding organ donation statistics, protocols, and promotion.

The provided text is a procedural review letter and does not disclose the actual organ donation data.

10 April 2018
13 April 2018
Case reference 427433
9 pages
2 documents


Vehicle numbers 2017

Summary: The requester asked for a breakdown of all vehicles registered on the Isle of Man during 2017 by specific categories, excluding retention registrations. The Department of Infrastructure stated it did not hold the total registered vehicle data in the requested format but provided monthly statistics for new vehicle registrations and imported vehicles for the 2017-2018 period.

The authority does not hold the total number of vehicles registered on the Island in a format that allows the specific request to be answered.

Data provided covers the period from April 2017 to March 2018 rather than the requested calendar year 2017.

The response includes separate tables for 'Imported Vehicles' and 'New Vehicle Registrations'.

The total number of vehicles registered on the Island during the 2017-18 period was 7,105.

Category codes (e.g., A, B, C) are used for vehicle types, with definitions available in a linked PDF.


Isle of Man - All sites who sell lottery products

Summary: A request was made for a list of all Isle of Man retailers selling lottery products, but the Gambling Supervision Commission responded that they do not hold this information.

The Gambling Supervision Commission does not hold the requested list of lottery retailers.

The Commission is not responsible for overseeing the National Lottery under the National Lottery Act 1999.

The requester was advised to contact the UK Gambling Commission for the information.

The request was processed under the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

National Lottery Act 1999 (lack of jurisdiction)


The outcome of Motoring prosecutions

Summary: The request sought the ratio of acquittals to convictions for motoring prosecutions over three years, broken down by offence category. The Attorney General's Chambers provided data for General Gaol trials from 2015-2017 and Summary Court trials for 2017 only, but could not supply Summary Court statistics for 2015 and 2016 as they are not held by the authority.

Data was provided for motoring trials in the Court of General Gaol Delivery for 2015, 2016, and 2017.

Summary Court trial outcome statistics for 2015 and 2016 were not held by the Attorney General's Chambers.

The response included specific case outcomes for offences such as dangerous driving, drink driving, and due care.

The authority noted that the provided data does not reflect changes resulting from subsequent appeals or references.

Requesters were advised to contact the Chief Constable or Chief Registrar for missing Summary Court data.

Information not held or cannot be found after taking reasonable steps


Organ Donation 2

Summary: The requester sought all communications, data, and meeting details regarding the Organ Donation Consultation between the Department of Health and Social Care and Mr Martyn Perkins MHK. The authority responded by sending an attached PDF document containing the requested information, with names of junior staff members redacted.

The request was received on 13 April 2018 and responded to on 8 May 2018.

The response included an attached PDF document with the requested information.

Names of junior staff members were redacted from the disclosed documents.

The consultation in question opened on 29 March 2018.

The request specifically targeted communications involving Mr Martyn Perkins MHK.


Sheltered Accommodation

Summary: The requester asked for statistics on individuals under 65 living in sheltered accommodation on the Isle of Man, but the Department of Infrastructure responded that they do not hold this information as they do not manage such housing.

The Department of Infrastructure does not manage any sheltered accommodation on the Isle of Man.

Sheltered housing is provided by a variety of public sector and private providers.

Examples of private schemes mentioned include Cannon Court, Ian Cannel Court, and St Ninians Scheme.

The Department provided a list of contact information for Public Sector Housing Authorities to assist the requester.


Hydrocarbon licensing in Manx waters

Summary: The requester asked the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture about hydrocarbon licensing offers and impact assessments following the 2017 round. The department responded that it does not hold the requested information because responsibility for the Petroleum Act and licensing was transferred to the Department of Infrastructure in 2017.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture does not hold the requested information regarding hydrocarbon licensing.

Responsibility for the Petroleum Act 1986 and the 2017 hydrocarbon licensing round was transferred from the former DED to the Department of Infrastructure.

The transfer of functions occurred under the Transfer of Functions Order 2017.

The requester was advised to contact the Department of Infrastructure for the information.

The request was handled under the Freedom of Information Act 2015.


Investment in fossil fuels

Summary: The requester asked for the percentage of Isle of Man Government investments connected with fossil fuels over the last two years. The Treasury disclosed that approximately 3% of investments are linked to fossil fuels, noting that this is an average based on financial year-end reserves.

Approximately 3% of Government investments are connected with fossil fuels.

The figure represents an average for the last two years based on financial year-end investment reserves.

The percentage is an approximation due to holdings in companies with mixed revenue sources.

Exposure also exists through Exchange Traded Funds and Collective Investment Schemes.

Investment values and percentages varied considerably due to market fluctuations and withdrawals.


Student Award System

Summary: A request for data on the Isle of Man Student Award System was partially fulfilled, disclosing statistics on student numbers, costs, and rejections for the 2017/18 year, while withholding a policy review document led by Mr L Hooper.

410 students were granted maintenance support separate from tuition loans in 2017/18.

The total cost of the award system for 2017/18 was £9,135,278, with £1,644,298 allocated to maintenance grants.

468 students were ineligible for maintenance support due to exceeding means-tested income thresholds.

885 students were supported by the tuition loan agreement.

Information regarding the review of the Student Award System headed by Mr L Hooper was refused.

Section 34(1)(b) - formulation of policy exemption

Section 35(b) and (c) - conduct of public business (inhibiting free and frank provision of advice/exchange of views)

Section 41(a) and (c) - information for future publication exemption


MICTA

Summary: A request was made for detailed financial records, membership data, and meeting logs regarding the Manx ICT Association (MICTA) and its funding from the Department for Enterprise. The authority released a 2014 management agreement but withheld specific financial details and reports citing commercial confidence.

The request was submitted on 2018-04-16 and responded to on 2018-06-06.

The outcome was 'Some information sent but part exempt'.

The disclosed document is a 2014 agreement between the Department of Economic Development and MICTA.

The agreement covers the provision of e-business and ICT strategy services.

Specific financial data and progress reports were withheld from the public response.


Transparency expectations for Department for Enterprise's Agencies

Summary: The requester asked for confirmation that four specific arms-length agencies would be subject to the same transparency levels and timescales as the Department for Enterprise under the Freedom of Information Act. The Department responded by clarifying that requests for information regarding these agencies must be submitted directly to the Department for Enterprise under the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

The request concerned four agencies: Business Isle of Man, Digital Isle of Man, Finance Isle of Man, and Visit Isle of Man.

Information requests for these agencies must be made to the Department for Enterprise.

The requests must be submitted under the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

The Department for Enterprise confirmed the process but did not explicitly confirm identical timescales in the text provided.

The requester was informed of their right to an internal review and subsequent appeal to the Information Commissioner.


Please reference 408233

Summary: The requester asked for a list of UK dentists practicing on the Isle of Man under GDS contracts and those working for the Department of Health and Social Care. The authority disclosed the names and details of two GDS contract providers but stated that information regarding departmental staff was already reasonably accessible via the FOI disclosure log.

The request was received on 16 April 2018 and responded to on 1 May 2018.

Two UK dentists were identified as physically practicing on the island under a GDS contract: Allan Lewis and Tracey Bell.

Information regarding dentists working for the department under community or hospital services was not provided directly in the letter.

The authority cited Section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015, stating the requested information was already reasonably accessible.

The response directs the requester to the FOI Disclosure log on the government website for further details.


Extinguished highways, footpaths or rights of way

Summary: The requester asked for documents regarding public highway, footpath, or right of way extinguishment cases voted against by Tynwald in the last twenty years. The Department of Infrastructure refused to send the documents, citing that the information is already reasonably accessible via the Tynwald Hansard website.

The request covered cases from the last twenty years where extinguishment was voted against by Tynwald.

The Department of Infrastructure determined the information was already reasonably accessible to the public.

The authority directed the requester to search the Tynwald Hansard website for debates on 'Public Rights of Way' and 'Highway Extinguishment'.

Alternative access was offered through the Tynwald Library for those without internet access.

The request was closed on 25 April 2018 with no documents sent.


Legal Advice to Remove Electors from Register

Summary: A request was made for legal advice provided prior to April 2015 regarding the removal of electors from the Register of Electors under the Registration of Electors Act 2006. The Attorney General's Chambers responded that no written record of this information is held.

The request sought legal advice given to the Cabinet Office or Electoral Registration Officer before 1 April 2015.

The advice concerned powers to remove electors during the annual canvass under Section 5(3) of the Registration of Electors Act 2006.

The Attorney General's Chambers confirmed they do not hold or could not find any written record of the requested information.

The request was received on 18 April 2018 and closed on 14 May 2018.

Applicants have the right to request an internal review or appeal to the Information Commissioner if dissatisfied.

437635
1 April 2015
18 April 2018
14 May 2018
Section 5(3)
2006
2 pages
1 document


Registered patients

Summary: The request sought patient registration figures for all GP and dentist surgeries on the Isle of Man. The authority provided total GP patient numbers by practice as of April 2018 but could not provide dentist figures because patients are not registered with dentists under the current commissioning model.

Total number of patients registered with GP practices on the island was 87,325 as of 1 April 2018.

Ramsey Group Practice had the highest number of registered patients at 14,099.

Information on registered patients for dentist surgeries was not held because dentists are commissioned on Units of Dental Activity (UDAs) rather than a capitation basis.

The response was issued by the Department of Health and Social Care under the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

The request was received on 20 April 2018 and the outcome was communicated on 1 May 2018.

Information not held or cannot be found after reasonable steps


Noble's Hospital - consultants

Summary: A Freedom of Information request to the Isle of Man Department of Health and Social Care sought data on consultant turnover, locum employment, and bowel surgery availability at Noble's Hospital. The authority disclosed full statistics on consultant departures over five years, confirmed seven current locum consultants, and verified that bowel surgery is performed locally.

Consultant departures at Noble's Hospital ranged from 3 to 11 over the last five years.

As of April 2018, there were seven locum consultants working at the hospital.

Three of the current locum consultants are agency workers, while five are bank staff.

Bowel surgery is confirmed to be undertaken on Isle of Man patients at Noble's Hospital.

Two of the nine consultants who left in 2017/18 were on limited term appointments.


Mutual Agreed Resignation Scheme

Summary: A request was made to the Department of Health and Social Care for the total amount paid to employees under the Mutual Agreed Resignation Scheme in the last year. The authority disclosed the specific financial figures for the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 financial years, totaling £574,733.38.

The request was received on 20 April 2018 and responded to on 1 May 2018.

The Department of Health and Social Care released all requested information.

£437,367.00 was paid out under the scheme in the 2017/2018 financial year.

£137,366.38 was paid out under the scheme in the 2018/2019 financial year to date.

The overall total amount paid to employees under the scheme is £574,733.38.


Whistleblowing policy at Noble's Hospital

Summary: The requester asked for the whistleblowing policy at Noble's Hospital and whether it differs from other Isle of Man Government departments. The Department of Health and Social Care confirmed that a single policy applies to all government staff, including Noble's Hospital, and released the attached document.

The Whistleblowing Policy applies to all Isle of Man Government staff, including those at Noble's Hospital.

There is no separate or different policy for Noble's Hospital compared to other government departments.

The current policy version (V3) was issued by the Office of Human Resources, Cabinet Office in September 2016.

The policy came into effect on 1 September 2016.

The policy was originally developed in 2007 following the Employment Act 2006.


7 responses DESC received by post and email re the new Education Bill

Summary: The request sought copies of seven public consultation responses regarding the new Education Bill, specifically those where consent to publish was given. The Department of Education, Sport and Culture disclosed three responses that had consent, while withholding four due to lack of permission, though one referenced document was made available via an external link.

The Department received 7 manual responses (post and email) to the Education Bill consultation.

Only 3 respondents expressly gave permission to publish their responses.

The non-publication of the 3 consented responses was initially an administrative oversight.

4 responses were withheld because publishing them would be contrary to the respondents' wishes.

One withheld response contained a document by Allan Norman accessible via a government report link.

Section 26 of the Freedom of Information Act (information provided in confidence)


Holiday brochure

Summary: A request was made to the Department for Enterprise regarding the costs associated with the 2018 Isle of Man Holiday Brochure, including design, printing, and postage. The authority disclosed that the total production cost was £36,347.40, with 30,000 copies printed, and the total cost including postage reached £42,992.81 by May 2018.

The total cost for producing the 2018 holiday brochure, including printing, was £36,347.40.

The specific cost for printing alone was £15,363.75.

A total of 30,000 copies of the brochure were printed.

The total cost including production and postage as of 31 May 2018 was £42,992.81.

The brochure generated £60,886.00 in revenue from paid advertisements.


Police Bail

Summary: A request was made to the Department of Home Affairs for the number of people held on police bail for over 28 days. The authority responded that they do not hold this information and suggested contacting the Isle of Man Police service instead.

The request was received and answered on 24 April 2018.

The Department of Home Affairs does not hold the requested information.

The information is likely held by the Isle of Man Police service.

The request was handled under the Freedom of Information Act 2015.


Development targets

Summary: A request was made for full development target results for all primary schools on the Isle of Man, but no information was sent because the data was already reasonably accessible to the public.

The request was received on 24 April 2018 and responded to on 18 May 2018.

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture refused to send the information directly.

The refusal was based on Section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act regarding information already reasonably accessible.

The requested data is available in the Tynwald Court Official Report dated 17 April 2018.

Additional data is also hosted on the Department's official website.

Section 20 of the Act (information already reasonably accessible)


Zip Trip mobile app information

Summary: A request for information regarding the ZipTrip mobile app usage, costs, and features was partially upheld following an internal review, which found that the Department of Infrastructure incorrectly applied a 'not held' exemption to all questions. The review ordered a re-processing of the request to disclose specific financial data that should have been available in government accounting systems.

The internal review found it inappropriate to apply the 'information not held' exemption to all elements of the request.

Costs associated with the Ticketer system were identified as information that should be held in the Government accounting system.

The original request contained seven questions, but only three were deemed answerable by producing held information.

The Department of Infrastructure was instructed to provide a completely new response to the request.

The review noted that early communication to refine questions into 'requests for information held' would have improved the outcome.

s11(3)(a) - the public authority does not hold or cannot, after taking reasonable steps to do so, find the information that the applicant has requested


Characteristics of KS4 pupils taking GCSEs

Summary: The requester asked for detailed breakdowns of KS4 GCSE results by pupil characteristics (EAL, FSM, SEN) across five years, but the Department of Education only held and released aggregated FSM data for Summer 2017.

The Department does not centrally hold or aggregate detailed analyses of pupil characteristics like EAL and SEN for the requested period.

Schools conduct their own detailed data analyses which are not collated centrally.

The request was deemed to require the creation of over 22 data sets, placing a considerable burden on the Department.

Only one specific data set regarding Free School Meals (FSM) attainment for Summer 2017 was available and released.

The response was delayed due to a heavy workload including GDPR preparations and other FOI requests.

Information not held (practical refusal reason)

Excessive cost/burden to create or derive data sets not routinely held


Number of work permits issued

Summary: The requester asked for annual data on work permits issued and denied between 2011 and 2018, distinguishing between EEA and non-EEA nationals. The Department for Enterprise provided the total numbers of issued and denied permits for the requested period but noted that the figures include renewals and that non-EEA nationals often use Immigration Rules instead of work permits.

The request was received on 1 May 2018 and responded to on 29 May 2018.

The provided figures for work permits issued include renewals of existing permits.

The majority of non-EEA nationals work under Immigration Rules rather than the work permit system.

The number of denied applications dropped significantly from 108 in 2013 to just 1 in 2018.

The data covers the period from 2011 to May 2018.