Housing increase

Summary: The requester asked for the recommended rental increases proposed by each housing authority for the 2025/26 year. The Department of Infrastructure confirmed that all requested information was provided in an attached appendix.

The request was received by the Department of Infrastructure on 7 January 2025.

The response was issued on 20 January 2025 with an outcome date of 30 January 2025.

The authority confirmed that information regarding recommended rental increases for 2025/26 was held.

The requested data was provided in a document labeled Appendix 1.

The response included standard information regarding the right to request an internal review or appeal to the Information Commissioner.

2025/26
7 January 2025
20 January 2025
30 January 2025
4353445
Appendix 1
2 pages
1 document


Refund Section relating to Comis Hotel Returning Residents

Summary: The request sought statistics on refund applications and entitlements for Comis Hotel returning residents following the implementation of the Kate Brunner KC recommendations. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed that 58 applications were received, 50 refunds were paid, and 90 residents are entitled to refunds out of 107 total stayers.

58 refund applications were received between June 2024 and January 2025.

50 refunds have been successfully paid to applicants.

8 applications were rejected or pending due to ineligibility, duplicate claims, or missing documents.

107 returning residents stayed at the Comis Hotel between April and May 2020, including 7 medical escort staff.

90 residents are officially entitled to a refund, with 7 pending applications covering 11 residents.

58 applications
50 refunds paid
107 total residents
7 medical escort staff
90 entitled residents
15th April 2020
13th May 2020
1st June 2024
January 2025
7 pending applications
11 residents in pending applications


Bonus payments

Summary: The request sought details on bonus payments to Department for Enterprise staff over five years, including counts, totals, and specific KPIs. The authority disclosed the number of recipients and total amounts paid but withheld specific performance metrics citing personal data exemptions.

Approximately 5% of the Department for Enterprise workforce operates under individual contracts allowing for performance-related pay.

Bonus payments are not guaranteed and are linked to general divisional or agency plans rather than specific individual KPIs.

The number of staff receiving bonuses ranged from 3 to 7 annually over the five-year period.

Specific details on the basis of payments were withheld to prevent the identification of individuals.

Individual contracts often feature lower base salaries and lack pension contributions compared to standard public service roles.

5% of total workforce on individual contracts

Section 25 of the Freedom of Information Act (Personal information)


State Pension

Summary: The request sought data on Isle of Man state pension recipients and their overlap with UK pensions, including potential cost savings from removing dual payments. The Treasury disclosed that it holds no data on UK pension entitlements for those reaching pension age after April 2016 due to independent operations, though it confirmed records exist for 'split liability' pensions under the 1977 agreement for earlier cohorts.

The Isle of Man Treasury does not hold information on UK pension entitlements for individuals who reached state pension age on or after 6 April 2016.

Since 6 April 2016, the governments of the Isle of Man and the UK have operated independently regarding state pensions.

For those reaching pension age before 6 April 2016, entitlements are calculated under the 1977 reciprocal agreement on social security.

The Treasury holds records of the number of people receiving a 'split liability' pension under the 1977 agreement.

The request was partially refused under section 11(3)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 because the information is not held.

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


Names of Legislative Council Applicants

No information sent - all held but exempt

Summary: The requester asked for the names of applicants to join the Isle of Man Legislative Council, but the Office of the Clerk of Tynwald refused to disclose this information citing absolute exemptions for personal data.

The request was received on 10 January 2025 and responded to on 28 January 2025.

The authority holds the information but considers it absolutely exempt under section 25 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

Disclosure was refused because it would contravene data protection principles under the GDPR as applied in the Isle of Man.

Standing Order 8.2(10) requires the publication of valid proposals and applications (excluding personal contact information) after the proposal deadline.

The proposal deadline for the Legislative Council recruitment is set for 12 noon on 13 February 2025.

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

Data Protection (Application of GDPR) Order 2018, Article 5 (data protection principles)

Data Protection (Application of GDPR) Order 2018, Article 6 (conditions for lawful processing)


Correspondence between DESC and the SPC re adult child ratios

Summary: The request sought correspondence between the Department of Education, Sport and Culture and the Steam Packet Company regarding adult-to-child ratios on vessels. The authority released a policy document detailing the new ratios effective October 2024, though the response was partially exempt.

A new adult-to-child ratio policy was introduced by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company on 24 October 2024.

Groups of eight or more people traveling together are defined as a group and must be booked via the Reservations Team.

For groups with up to 10 children, a minimum of 2 adults is required.

For groups with more than 10 children, one additional adult is required for every five children.

The maximum group size allowed for a single booking is 60 children accompanied by 12 adults.

24 Oct 2024
12 November 2024
8 people
0-15 years
10 Children
2 Adults
5 children
60 children
12 adults
18 months


Heating in Schools

Summary: The request sought details on heating status, temperatures, internal communications, and parent complaints for Isle of Man high schools during the first week of January 2025. The Department of Education confirmed heating was operational with specific temperature ranges, disclosed summaries of complaints, and provided internal communications with some redactions for personal data.

All high school heating was on during the week commencing 6th January 2025.

Temperature set points ranged from 19° to 21°.

Castle Rushen High School experienced a temporary boiler issue lasting approximately 2 hours.

St Ninian’s High School (Lower School) had a system fault affecting some areas until the end of the week.

Two parental complaints and one comment regarding heating were received during the first week of term.

6th January 2025
14 January 2025
19° - 21°
2 hours
two parental complaints
one comment
4371057

Section 25(b)(i) & (ii) of the Act (absolutely exempt personal information)

Data Protection (Application of GDPR) Order 2018 Article 5


On call payments for Anaesthetists

Summary: A request was made for the specific on-call payment costs for two anaesthetists at Noble's Hospital during weekend hours, but Manx Care responded that this information is not held because on-call duties are embedded within overall salary packages and not recorded as separate line items.

Manx Care does not hold standalone data for on-call payments as they are integrated into consultant job plans.

The authority cited Section 10(2)(b) of the Isle of Man FOIA, stating they are not required to create new information to isolate these costs.

Additional on-call cover for vacancies or leave may be provided by bank staff at standardized rates.

The request was formally closed on 11 February 2025 with an outcome of 'Information not held'.

Manx Care offered to provide general information on on-call structures or pay scale data as an alternative.

Section 10(2)(b) FOIA – Information Not Held in the Requested Format


Your reference 4362177, RSV in babies

Summary: The request sought the number of babies under 12 months admitted to Noble's Hospital with severe RSV or bronchiolitis for three flu seasons. Manx Care disclosed the patient counts for the 2022-2023, 2023-2024, and partial 2024-2025 seasons, noting that clinical severity is not coded.

Data covers babies under 12 months admitted to Noble's Hospital with RSV or bronchiolitis.

The 2023-2024 flu season recorded the highest number of admissions at 47 patients.

Manx Care stated that 'severe' RSV infections cannot be specifically searched as severity is not coded in their system.

The 2024-2025 data provided is only up to the date of the response (February 2025).

Clinical codes used for extraction included J121, J205, J210, B974, and P230.


Catering Contract IOM Airport

Summary: The requester asked for the current Caterleisure catering contract, its expiry date, and future tender documents for the Isle of Man Airport. The Department of Infrastructure withheld the contract and expiry date citing commercial interests but confirmed that future tender documents do not yet exist.

The current catering contract is held by Caterleisure.

The contract and its expiry date were withheld under FOIA Section 30(2)(b).

The Department does not hold tender documents or evaluation criteria for the next contract as they have not been created.

Future tenders will be published via the Government portal at intendhost.co.uk/iomg.

The public interest test determined that protecting commercial interests outweighed transparency.

FOIA Section 30 (2)(b) - Commercial interests


Gubay Bursary

Summary: The request sought details on the timeline, fund size, and grant numbers for the Gubay Bursary for Top 10 Universities. The Department of Education confirmed the fund was established in 2006 with £500,000, provided 261 grants totaling £579,000, and is now effectively exhausted with only £10,183.22 remaining.

The Gubay Fund was created in May 2006 following a £500,000 gift from Mr Albert Gubay.

The fund was specifically designated to facilitate study at one of the top ten world-class universities for Isle of Man residents.

A total of 261 grants were awarded between the 2006/07 and 2020/21 academic years.

The total value of awards paid from the fund was £579,000.

The fund is now depleted, with only £10,183.22 remaining after accounting for interest and charges.


Minutes of QE2 school governors' meeting

Summary: The requester asked for minutes from a QE2 school governors' meeting where the uniform policy was agreed, likely around June 2023. The Department of Education, Sport and Culture provided the minutes but redacted personal information under an absolute exemption.

The request was received on 16 January 2025 and responded to on 5 February 2025.

The response included an extract of the minutes from a meeting dated 24 June 2024.

A blazer was introduced for the Year 7 cohort starting secondary school in September 2024.

Some information was withheld because it constituted personal data of individuals other than the requester.

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

16 January 2025
5 February 2025
24 June 2024
September 2024
Year 7
4377405
June 2023

Section 25(b)(i) & (ii) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Absolutely exempt personal information)

Article 5 of the General Data Protection Regulation (Data protection principles)

Article 6 of the General Data Protection Regulation (Conditions for lawful processing)


Fertility Clinic

Summary: A request was made for detailed statistics and costs regarding the Isle of Man Fertility Clinic over the past five years, including patient numbers, referrals, and treatment breakdowns. The Department of Health and Social Care refused the request, stating they do not hold the information as it is likely held by Manx Care following a 2021 service redesign.

The Department of Health and Social Care does not hold the requested fertility clinic data.

The information is believed to be held by Manx Care due to the separation of policy and service delivery.

The Department was redesigned on 01 April 2021 following Sir Jonathan Michael's Independent Review.

The request was received on 16 January 2025 and the response was issued on 21 January 2025.

The requester is advised to re-submit the request to Manx Care.

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


Numbers of year 5 pupils in Primary Schools

Summary: A request was made for the number of Year 5 pupils at four specific primary schools on the Isle of Man, and the Department of Education provided the current enrollment figures for all requested schools.

Anagh Coar currently has 13 Year 5 pupils, expected to rise to 14.

St Mary's Primary School has 30 Year 5 pupils.

Anagh Coar Year 5 pupils are in a mixed-age class with Year 6 totaling 31 students.


Minimum Wage/Living Wage Calculations

Summary: The requester sought the specific basket of goods and price sources used to calculate the Isle of Man Living Wage since 2017, but the Cabinet Office disclosed detailed data only for 2022-2024 due to the impracticality of compiling historical records from 2017-2021.

The Living Wage is calculated by the Cabinet Office using the UK Living Wage Foundation methodology, distinct from the Minimum Wage handled by the Department of Enterprise.

Detailed price source data was withheld for 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2021 because the original records did not match goods to specific retailers.

The authority cited section 11(3)(b) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 as a practical refusal reason for the full historical request.

The requester agreed to accept data for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024 along with a description of the baskets used in previous years.

The response includes a breakdown of weekly costs for 'Partnered parents' totaling £758.21 under the MIS 2020 REBASE.

Section 11(3)(b) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (practical refusal reason due to substantial compilation required)


Traffic Management of the Central Promenade during construction 2021

Summary: A request for 2021 traffic management, risk assessments, and construction details regarding the Central Promenade was made to the Department of Infrastructure. The authority responded that no information was sent because some records were held by a third-party contractor or lost due to website decommissioning, while other held information was exempt due to legal professional privilege.

The Department of Infrastructure does not hold direct access to information originally managed by Auldyn Construction.

Some requested information was previously available on an old website that has since been decommissioned.

Certain held information is exempt under Section 40 of the Act due to a claim of legal professional privilege.

The authority applied a public interest test weighing transparency against potential prejudice to ongoing legal proceedings.

The response was issued on 3 April 2025 regarding a request received on 17 January 2025.

Section 40 (Legal professional privilege)


Charity Funds

Summary: A request was made for a detailed breakdown of charity donation income and expenditure for Manx Care, including specific departmental allocations and current fund balances. The authority responded that the information was not held in the requested format and refused to create or derive it under the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

The request was received by Manx Care on 21 January 2025.

The outcome was determined as 'Information not held' on 18 February 2025.

The authority cited Section 11(3)(b) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 as the reason for refusal.

Manx Care stated it is not required to create or derive information from existing data to fulfill the request.

The request covered financial years including the last and current year for charity funds.

Section 11(3)(b) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Information not held/creation of information)


Part time employment

Summary: The requester asked for the total number of part-time employees and zero-hour contract workers across the Isle of Man government. The Cabinet Office disclosed that it does not hold data for the entire government but provided figures for 21 specific departments and offices, excluding the judiciary and elected officials.

The Cabinet Office does not hold employment data for the whole of the Isle of Man government.

Data provided covers 21 specific departments, boards, and offices receiving shared HR services.

The Judiciary, Manx Heritage Foundation, Coroners, Members of Tynwald, and the Lieutenant Governor are excluded from the data.

As of 20 January 2025, there were 2,538 part-time staff in the covered departments.

As of 20 January 2025, there were 4,927 zero-hour contract staff in the covered departments.


Correspondence to Ramsey Town Commissioners in relation to Town Clerk

Summary: A request for correspondence regarding the 2024 appointment of the Ramsey Town Clerk was made to the Department of Infrastructure, but the request was ultimately withdrawn after the authority cited exemptions for personal data and the free and frank provision of advice.

The request was received on 20 January 2025 and the case was closed on 5 March 2025.

The Department of Infrastructure refused to disclose information under Section 25 (personal data) and Section 35 (advice and deliberation) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

The authority determined that the public interest in withholding the information outweighed the interest in disclosure.

The final outcome of the case is recorded as 'Withdrawn' with an outcome date of 18 August 2025.

The request specifically targeted written correspondence sent to Ramsey Town Commissioners.

Section 25: Absolutely exempt personal information

Section 35: Free and frank provision of advice and prejudice to effective conduct of public business

Data Protection (Application of GDPR) Order 2018


Employment & Equality Tribunal - Neurodivergent Issues in Education

Summary: The requester sought details on Employment & Equality Tribunal proceedings regarding neurodivergent discrimination against educational establishments and the Department of Education, Sport & Culture (DESC). The authority disclosed that one such complaint against DESC was recorded in 2024 and is currently in the early conciliation phase.

One complaint regarding disability discrimination was recorded against the Department of Education, Sport & Culture (DESC) in 2024.

The complaint is currently at the early stages of the conciliation phase.

The nature of the claim is specified as 'Discrimination on the grounds of disability'.

No judgments or settlement documentation were provided as the case has not concluded.

The response was issued by the General Registry on 11 February 2025.


Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC)

Summary: A request was made for records of correspondence received from the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) between October 2023 and January 2025. The Cabinet Office responded that it does not hold the requested information.

The request was submitted to the Isle of Man Cabinet Office on 20 January 2025.

The request covered correspondence from the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) from 1 October 2023 to the date of the request.

The authority confirmed it does not hold the information requested.

The response was issued on 27 January 2025 with reference number 4385473.

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


Castletown chaos

Summary: The request sought documentation regarding the Castletown Commissioners' application to permanently close Castletown Square, and the response disclosed internal emails and briefing notes detailing the consultation process, public objections, and the Minister's review of the Department's role.

Castletown Commissioners requested a permanent closure of Castletown Square to vehicular traffic after successful temporary trials in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

A consultation period for the permanent closure ended on 18 October 2024, receiving 17 responses with only 3 supporting the closure.

A petition with 48 signatures was received by the deadline, while an additional petition with 223 signatures arrived after the deadline.

Previous engagement by the Commissioners showed 74.79% of 592 respondents preferred the square to be pedestrianised.

The Minister for Infrastructure requested a review of the Department's powers and role regarding the closure as of December 2024.

20/07/23
04 December 2024
02 December 2024
05/12/2024
18th October 2024
29th November
17 responses
3 supported
48 signatures
223 signatures
150 signatures
592 responses
442 respondents
74.79%


Numbers of Ushers

Summary: The requester asked for staffing numbers of ushers for Tynwald Day and Garden Party events in 2024 and 2025, broken down by internal and external personnel. The authority disclosed the finalized 2025 figures but did not provide the 2024 data, noting that 2025 planning was ongoing at the time of the initial request.

The request was submitted on 2025-01-21 and the final response was issued on 2025-06-24.

For Tynwald Day 2025, 12 internal staff and 9 external ushers were assigned.

For the 2025 Garden Party, 12 internal staff and 3 external ushers were assigned.

External staff figures include individuals who left the Office of the Clerk of Tynwald within the last 12 months.

Data for the 2024 events was not included in the final response.


Building Control:Drains/Gully/Septic : 1/2/3 Sunnybank West Baldwin

Summary: A request was made for building control records regarding drainage and septic tanks at 3 Sunnybank, West Baldwin. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture responded by releasing some information while withholding part of the requested data under exemptions.

The request concerned drainage, septic tank installation, site visits, and completion certificates for 3 Sunnybank, West Baldwin.

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

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

The response included details on the right to request an internal review and appeal to the Information Commissioner.

The request was formally closed on the date of the response.

Part 2 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015


Boat Park Fees

Summary: A request was made for detailed payment records and recovery actions regarding harbour dues and boat park fees for specific vessels and all remaining vessels in Peel and House of Manannan. The Department of Infrastructure refused to disclose the information, classifying the request as vexatious under the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

The request concerned vessels named 'Udale' and 'The Dawn' as well as all other vessels in Peel Marina and House of Manannan Boat Park.

The Department of Infrastructure determined the request was vexatious, malicious, frivolous, misconceived, or lacking in substance.

No information regarding unpaid fees or recovery actions was disclosed in this response.

The case outcome was recorded as 'Not upheld' on 2025-08-18.

The authority cited Section 11(3)(d) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 as the legal basis for refusal.

Section 11(3)(d) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Vexatious, malicious, frivolous, misconceived or lacking in substance)


Eligibility Criteria for Childrens Mobility equipment

Summary: The requester asked for the eligibility criteria for children requiring mobility equipment on the Isle of Man, and Manx Care responded by providing an attached document outlining clinical decision factors.

Manx Care provided the eligibility criteria via an attached document shared with parents by clinicians.

Mobility equipment is classified as medical devices prescribed for the child.

Clinical decisions are influenced by medical alerts regarding safety.

Equipment must meet expected safety standards.

The authority must be able to oversee maintenance and possess the necessary staff skill set.


Number of deaths in nobles hospital in 2024

Summary: A student nurse requested the total number of deaths at Noble's Hospital in 2024 for a dissertation on end-of-life care. Manx Care responded by disclosing that there were 283 deaths recorded at the hospital during that year.

The request was made by a 3rd-year student nurse on the Isle of Man.

The data covers deaths where the discharge hospital was Noble's Hospital.

The specific time period requested was the full calendar year of 2024.

Manx Care confirmed the total number of deaths was 283.

The request was processed and closed on 3 February 2025.


Overtime rates

Summary: A request was made to the Department of Infrastructure regarding overtime pay rates for Port Security Supervisors covering officer shifts, but the information was not disclosed because the relevant team and data transferred to the Department of Home Affairs.

The Department of Infrastructure does not hold the requested information on overtime rates.

The Port Security team transitioned from the Department of Infrastructure to the Department of Home Affairs.

The transfer of the team and associated data was completed on 1st February 2025.

The requester is advised to submit a new request to the Department of Home Affairs.

The original request was received on 28 January 2025 and closed on 10 February 2025.

Information not held due to transfer of functions to another department


Port Security Officer overtime

Summary: A request was made regarding overtime procedures for Port Security Officers and Supervisors, but the Department of Infrastructure responded that the information is not held due to the team's transfer to the Department of Home Affairs.

The Department of Infrastructure does not hold the requested information on Port Security overtime.


WEEE goods and minutes of meetings with the amenity sites since 2006

Summary: The request sought meeting minutes and emails regarding WEEE goods and amenity site charging structures since 2011, resulting in the disclosure of 130 pages of documents including specific pricing trials and contract details, though some information was withheld.

WCAS implemented a 3-month trial for charging fees on non-hazardous WEEE items to offset disassembly costs.

A new WEEE and household battery recycling contract was confirmed with a preferred contractor in December 2024.

Charges for small WEEE were set at £490 per tonne, while fridges saw price increases and TVs/monitors saw reductions.

Items under 20kg are generally free of charge, with specific exceptions for oil-filled radiators.

Concerns were raised regarding scrap cars not being fully stripped of electrical components before crushing.

£20
£10
£5
£490 per tonne
20kg
08 January 2025
09 December 2024
11 October 2011
130 pages
4 documents


Fertility Request

Summary: A request was made to Manx Care for detailed statistics on fertility clinic treatments, patient demographics, and costs over the past five years. The authority disclosed approximate referral rates and IVF cycle data but withheld specific breakdowns due to appointment scheduling methods and confidentiality risks.

Approximately 60-70 new fertility referrals are made per year, a rate consistent over the last five years.

Specific breakdowns of patient types (e.g., female-only vs. couples) cannot be provided because appointments are scheduled under the primary female patient.

No referrals were made to an Isle of Man urologist for fertility issues in the past five years due to a lack of specialists.

UK referrals for male fertility diagnosis were too few to report without risking a breach of patient confidentiality.

Data on IVF cycles requiring sperm injection due to poor sperm function was provided annually from 2020 to 2024.

60 – 70 per year
1 in 6 couples
30% Male sub-fertility
30% Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease
10-15% Endometriosis
10-15% Ovulation disorders
30% Unexplained
2020 8 cycles
2021 10 cycles
2022 9 cycles
2023 10 cycles
2024 8 cycles
2025-01-27
2025-02-21

Risk of confidentiality breach due to low numbers of UK referrals

Inability to distinguish patient types due to appointment scheduling under primary female referral


Laxey Public Shelter

Summary: A request was made for details on complaints, maintenance costs, and future improvement plans for the Laxey Beach Public Shelter between 2020 and 2025. The Department of Infrastructure responded that they do not hold any of the requested information as the shelter is under the care of the Garff Commissioners.

The Laxey Beach Public Shelter is situated on Laxey Promenade and is under the care of Garff Commissioners.

The Department of Infrastructure does not hold information regarding the state, cleaning costs, or future plans for the shelter.

The request covered the period from 1st January 2020 to 1st April 2025.

The applicant was advised to contact Garff Commissioners directly for the requested information.

The request was formally closed on 19 February 2025.


Health Care external quality regulators

Summary: The requester asked about compliance with the 2019 Sir Jonathan Michael report regarding external quality regulators for Manx Care, specifically concerning CQC inspections and ratings. The Department of Health and Social Care responded that most information is publicly available online, confirmed that CQC baseline inspections are complete with no further CQC visits planned, and stated that future inspections will not receive formal CQC ratings due to lack of enforcement powers on the Isle of Man.

The Manx Care Act 2021 requires services to be inspected at least once every five years by independent persons or bodies appointed by the Department.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has completed its commissioned baseline inspections and there are no further arrangements for additional CQC inspections.

Future inspections of Manx Care will not be formally rated by the CQC because the island's services are not registered with them.

The CQC does not have enforcement powers on the Isle of Man.

Responsibility for improvement recommendations lies with Manx Care in partnership with its services, supported by the Department.

Section 20 of the Act (Information already reasonably accessible)


Equality Act 2017 - Complaints to DESC/Schools

Summary: The request sought statistics on Equality Act 2017 complaints against the Department of Education, Sport and Culture and its schools. The Department disclosed that Primary Schools had no such complaints, Secondary Schools could not provide data without creating new records, and the Department itself received specific complaints between 2022 and 2024.

Primary Schools reported zero complaints regarding protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2017.

Secondary Schools refused to provide data as they do not maintain a central complaints database and compiling it would require new research.

The Department received no equality-related complaints between 2019 and 2022.

In 2022, one complaint regarding equality of provision was upheld.

In 2023, four complaints were received involving dyslexia, disabled student allowance, barriers to education, and staff comments.

2019-2022: Nil complaints
2022: One complaint upheld
2023: Four complaints received
2024: One complaint received
Case ID: 4401117
Date received: 2025-01-27
Outcome date: 2025-02-19

Information would require research or analysis of existing records, which the Department is not required to do under the Act.


Food Hygiene Inspections - IOM Premises Rated 'Zero' or 'One' 2023/24

Summary: The requester sought details on food hygiene ratings and inspection reports for Isle of Man premises rated 0 or 1 between July and December 2024. The authority provided partial information, including specific inspection reports and correspondence for two establishments, while withholding other data under exemptions.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) responded to the request on 14 March 2025.

Inspection reports were released for 'Good Stuff Restaurant' in Ramsey and 'Babbages Bistro'.

Good Stuff Restaurant was inspected on 29 August 2024 and found to have poor kitchen cleanliness and pest problems.

Babbages Bistro was inspected in October 2024, with a follow-up visit planned to reassess compliance.

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


Nightshifts

Summary: A request was made for the number of night shifts carried out by Port Security Supervisors over the last 6 to 10 years, but the Department of Infrastructure responded that the information is not held.

The Department of Infrastructure does not hold the requested information regarding Port Security Supervisor night shifts.

The Port Security team and all associated data were transferred to the Department of Home Affairs.

The transfer of the Port Security team was completed on 1st February 2025.

The original request cannot be transferred to the Department of Home Affairs and must be resubmitted there.

The request was received on 27 January 2025 and closed on 11 February 2025.


Correspondence regarding cuts

Summary: The request sought correspondence between Manx Care and the Department of Health and Social Care regarding service cuts from October 2024 onwards. The response disclosed an email exchange between the Minister and the Chief Officer discussing an urgent statement about 'more cuts' being reported in the public domain.

The request was made to the Department of Health and Social Care on 2025-01-28.

The case outcome was 'Not upheld' on 2025-05-20.

The disclosed document is an email dated 24 January 2025 between Claire Christian and Paul Richardson.

The email discusses an urgent statement in the House of Keys regarding service cuts.

The correspondence notes that the issue of 'more cuts' is already in the public domain.


Correspondence regarding cuts

Summary: The requester asked for correspondence between Manx Care and the DHSC regarding service cuts from October 2024 to February 2025. Manx Care released 14 documents but redacted personal names and email addresses under data protection exemptions.

The request was received on 2025-01-28 and the outcome was issued on 2025-02-19.

14 documents totaling 30 pages were released to the requester.

Personal data including names not in the public domain and email addresses were withheld.

The withheld information was exempt under section 25(b)(i)&(ii) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

The correspondence relates to urgent measures to address financial challenges and ensure service sustainability.

Section 25(b)(i) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Absolute exemption for personal information)

Section 25(b)(ii) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Absolute exemption for personal information)

Article 5 of the General Data Protection Regulation (Data protection principles)

Article 6 of the General Data Protection Regulation (Conditions for lawful processing)


External validation reports

Summary: The requester sought full external validation reports and the quality assurance framework for schools, but the Department of Education, Sport and Culture only provided parent information leaflets and links to other government reports. The Information Commissioner upheld the request partially, ruling that the exemptions cited for withholding the full reports were inappropriate.

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture withheld full external validation reports, providing only parent information leaflets instead.

The Information Commissioner ruled that the exemption applied by the Department was inappropriate and contrary to government practice.

The Commissioner noted that other external inspection reports, such as those for prisons and the constabulary, are routinely published.

The Department claimed the quality assurance framework was due for publication later, but the Commissioner argued this was misleading as changes had already been confirmed.

The outcome was 'Upheld - partial' because the authority failed to provide the specific reports requested despite conducting a reasonable search.

S34(a) Formulation of Policy
S35(c) Conduct of Public business


Correspondence with DOI Minister regarding Ramsey Town Clerk appt.

Summary: A request was made for correspondence between the Department of Infrastructure Minister and the Ramsey Town Clerk appointment process in 2024. The authority responded that no such information is held.

The Department of Infrastructure does not hold any correspondence regarding the 2024 Ramsey Town Clerk appointment.

The request was received on 29 January 2025.

The final outcome was determined on 24 February 2025.

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


Communication with Ramsey Town Commissioners re North Shore Road

Summary: The requester asked for all correspondence between the Department of Infrastructure and Ramsey Town Commissioners regarding gulleys and drains on North Shore Road since 2022. The authority disclosed that no specific correspondence was held but provided attached defect reports submitted by Ramsey Town Commissioners staff within the requested timeframe.

The Department of Infrastructure does not hold specific correspondence with Ramsey Town Commissioners regarding North Shore Road gulleys/drains since 2022.

Defect reports submitted by Ramsey Town Commissioners staff relating to North Shore Road were provided as Appendix 1.

The request was received on 29 January 2025 and the response was issued on 25 February 2025.

The case reference number for this request is 4406697.

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


Net Migration

Summary: The requester asked for Isle of Man Net Migration figures similar to those provided by the UK Government. The Cabinet Office responded that the information is already reasonably accessible online via the Statistics Isle of Man website and is classified as an experimental statistic.

The request was received on 29 January 2025 and closed on 6 February 2025.

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

Net Migration estimates are available in the Isle of Man Population Report on the Statistics Isle of Man website.

The reported net migration estimates are currently designated as an experimental statistic.

The experimental status is expected to continue until some time after the next census.

29 January 2025
6 February 2025
4407493
Section 20
Freedom of Information Act 2015

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


Info related to Climate Change Access for Local Authorities/Boards

Summary: The requester asked for documentation regarding Climate Change Funding access for local authorities and statutory boards between April 2024 and February 2025. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture disclosed that no such records exist for local authorities, provided a public link for statutory boards, and confirmed no process changes occurred since January 2024.

No documentation or communication exists regarding Climate Change Fund access for local authorities in the specified period.

Information for statutory boards is publicly available via a provided URL rather than held as specific internal records.

The process for accessing the Climate Change Fund and the Business Case Template has not changed since 16 January 2024.

The request was received on 30 January 2025 and responded to on 21 February 2025.

The authority cited Section 20 of the Act to refuse providing information already reasonably accessible to the public.


Tourist accommodation

Summary: The requester asked for the number of private properties granted additional or change of use for tourist accommodation over the last five years. The authority could not provide the exact data due to recording limitations but supplied the total number of applications containing the word 'tourist' for each year.

The Planning and Building Control Department does not record a specific development type for changes from residential to tourism.

The provided figures represent applications received with 'tourist' in the proposal, not necessarily approved changes of use.

The data excludes whether applications were for additional use, change from tourism, or involved private properties.

The figures do not account for refused, pending, or withdrawn applications.

Approval of a change of use does not guarantee the applicant will exercise the permission.

Information not held or cannot be found after taking reasonable steps


Castle Rushen High School saga

Summary: A request was made for correspondence between government departments regarding housing development on the Castle Rushen High School site and its impact on Castletown. The Department of Education, Sport and Culture responded that they do not hold the requested information.

The request covered correspondence from 1st January 2023 onwards.

The information sought related to housing growth and economic impact on Castletown via the CRHS site.

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture confirmed they do not hold the information.

The requester was advised to contact the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.


Procurement

Summary: The request sought tender documentation and ticket sales data for Gaiety Theatre pantomimes from 2019 to 2025. The Department of Education, Sport and Culture released the 2018 Invitation to Tender for the 2019-2021 productions but withheld other requested information citing commercial confidentiality.

The request covered procurement for Gaiety Theatre pantomimes for the periods 2019-2021 and 2023-2025.

The Department released the Invitation to Tender (Reference DESC.14) dated October 2018 for the 2019-2021 lots.

The released document contains 14 pages and includes sections on general instructions, tender response forms, and a form of agreement.

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

The document is marked 'Commercial in Confidence' and copyright belongs to the Attorney General's Chambers.


MDC funding draw downs

Summary: The request sought updated details on Manx Development Corporation (MDC) funding drawdowns from a Lloyds Bank facility as of 31 January 2025. The Treasury disclosed specific new loan amounts and a total drawdown figure, while partially refusing information on further drawdowns for a specific new loan due to the short duration of the facility.

A new loan (Loan 5) of £2,000,000 was drawn down on 10 December 2024.

The total amount drawn down by MDC from the Lloyds facility is £19,184,073.

Loan 1 saw a drawdown of £5,527,205 on 11 December 2024.

Loan 2 had drawdowns of £4,178,611 on 22 October 2024 and £4,235,914 on 22 January 2025.

Information regarding further drawdowns for the new Loan 5 was refused as the 6-month term had not yet expired.

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


Parking permits.

Summary: The requester asked for a list of parking permits on Castlemoana Avenue in Douglas held by the Department of Health and Social Care. The department responded that it does not hold this information and suggested the requester contact the Department of Infrastructure instead.

The request was received on 4 February 2025 and clarified via phone call on 7 March 2025.

The Department of Health and Social Care confirmed it does not hold the requested parking permit data.

The information is likely held by the Department of Infrastructure.

The request was refused under Section 11(3)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

The response was issued on 13 March 2025 with reference number 4414897.

4 February 2025
10 February
7 March
13 March 2025
4414897
Section 11(3)(a)
2 years


Burial Ground Rates

Summary: The request sought details on how Burial Ground Rates are calculated for Onchan and whether rates are uniform across the Isle of Man. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed the legal framework under the Burials Act 1986, confirmed that each parish sets its own rate based on expenses, and provided a list of rates for the 2025-26 period.

Burial Ground Rates are calculated under section 14(1) of the Burials Act 1986.

Each parish sets its own rate based on incoming revenue and expenses rather than a uniform island-wide rate.

The Department of Infrastructure sends Revenue Budget Submission forms every December to Burial Authorities.

Burial Authorities must submit a signed resolution letter confirming the rate before 1st March of the relevant accounting year.

A list of 2025-26 burial rates and maximum burial rates for each parish was provided in Appendix 2.


Health cuts correspondence with the UK

Summary: The requester asked for correspondence between Manx Care and off-island providers regarding the cancellation of funding for certain procedures. Manx Care released 15 documents totaling 143 pages but redacted personal names and email addresses under data protection exemptions.

Manx Care is predicting an overspend for the current financial year due to a fixed budget and increased costs.

The Isle of Man Government challenged Manx Care to reduce the overspend to protect the island's overall financial stability.

Manx Care requested Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital (LHCH) to slow down planned activity for the remainder of the financial year.

Personal data such as names not in the public domain and email addresses were withheld from the released documents.

The response included a draft letter from Oliver Radford to Teresa Cope regarding the request to LHCH.

s25(b)(i)&(ii) of the Act (absolutely exempt personal information)

Article 5 of the General Data Protection Regulation


Active Travel Costs and KPIs

Summary: The Department of Infrastructure disclosed total annual costs for the Active Travel Strategy from 2018 to 2024, citing a specific report for the data, but confirmed it does not hold information regarding Key Performance Indicators or return on investment.

Total spend on Active Travel from July 2018 to March 2024 was £2,512,315.

The Department does not hold information relating to Key Performance Indicators for the Active Travel Strategy.

Active Travel Liaison Officer costs of £122,534 were met by the departmental payroll budget and not recharged to the Capital Project.

Spending dropped significantly in recent years, with only £4,930 recorded for the year ending March 2024.

Some cost data was deemed reasonably accessible via a Tynwald report, invoking Section 20 of the Act.

Section 20 of the Act (information already reasonably accessible)

Information not held by the public authority


Off Island School Trips on Steam Packet Crossings

Summary: The request sought details on off-island school trips affected by revised Steam Packet Company adult-to-child ratios, including planned trips, cancellations, risk assessments, and correspondence. The Department of Education, Sport and Culture disclosed data on planned and cancelled trips for primary and secondary schools but withheld risk assessments and correspondence, citing partial exemptions.

The Steam Packet Company revised its children's group travel safety policy effective 19th February 2025.

Ballakermeen High School cancelled a Barcelona trip and four Liverpool day trips due to the new ratio requirements.

Ramsey Grammar School cannot run a planned day trip for 150 students as it would require 31 staff members, impacting on-island staffing.

St Ninian's High School reported that no records of cancelled trips are held because the policy change made them unviable to book.

Information regarding risk assessments and correspondence between the Department and schools/unions was not fully disclosed.

40 students (Ballakermeen Barcelona trip)

100 students (Ballakermeen Liverpool trips)

50 students (Ramsey Grammar History trip)

3rd February 2025 (Request received date)

19th February 2025 (Policy effective date)

Part exempt (specific exemption clauses not detailed in the provided text)


Green Living Energy

Summary: The request sought detailed statistics on the Green Living Energy grant scheme, including application volumes, offer letters, and payments broken down by month. The Department for Enterprise provided a comprehensive weekly dataset covering applications, approvals, and payments from February 2023 to February 2025, though some specific qualitative questions regarding staff numbers and house inspections were not explicitly answered in the provided text.

The response covers data from the week ending 03/02/2023 to 21/02/2025.

A total of 2,819 grant applications were received during the reporting period.

2,117 grants were approved with a total value of £5,789,552.08.

The total amount paid out in grant payments was £4,023,475.38.

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

2819 applications received
2117 grants approved
£5,789,552.08 value approved
£4,023,475.38 amount paid
Week ending 03/02/2023
Week ending 21/02/2025
Case ID 4418317
Outcome date 2025-02-28


Freedom to Flourish

Summary: A request was made for the backing track 'Ellan Vannin' from the 'Freedom to Flourish' government video, but the Cabinet Office confirmed they do not hold the audio file or specific details.

The Cabinet Office does not hold the requested audio file or details of the 'Ellan Vannin' version.

The video production was handled by an external producer named DAM Productions.

The authority suggests contacting DAM Productions directly for the audio file.

The request was received on 3 February 2025 and closed on 11 February 2025.


Airport crash rescue response time

Summary: The requester asked for RNLI response times and safety equipment details for aircraft water rescues at the Isle of Man airport following the removal of the airport rescue boat in 2019. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed that it does not hold this information because the RNLI is an independent charity, though it confirmed the existence of two Memoranda of Understanding regarding search and rescue cooperation.

The airport rescue boat was taken out of service in 2019.

The Department of Infrastructure does not hold information on RNLI response times or specific safety equipment.

The RNLI is an independent charitable organisation outside the Department's remit.

Two Memoranda of Understanding exist between the Department and external organisations including the RNLI.

The MoUs do not contain specific operational details of RNLI procedures.


Breast Cancer Patients

Summary: A request was made for the criteria, number of grants, and costs of Independent Funding Requests (IFR) for breast cancer patients over the last five years. Manx Care provided the criteria and grant numbers for the period since its inception in 2021 but refused to disclose the costs citing a practical inability to locate the information.

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

Information regarding the last 5 years pre-dates Manx Care, with prior data held by DHSC.

Between April 2021 and January 2025, 44 applications for funding were approved.

The criteria for IFR applications were provided via an attached Terms of Reference document.

The cost of successful applications was withheld because Manx Care could not find the information after reasonable steps.

Section 11(3)a of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (practical refusal: information not held or cannot be found after reasonable steps)


Cancer Diagnosis

Summary: The requester asked for monthly cancer diagnosis data in the Isle of Man from January 2015 to the most recent available month. Manx Care disclosed the requested data sourced from the Somerset Cancer Registry, noting it is unvalidated and subject to phased implementation limitations.

The data provided is sourced solely from the Somerset Cancer Registry (SCR) and has not been validated.

The SCR was implemented in the Isle of Man in 2012 on a phased, specialty-by-specialty basis, leading to historical recording inconsistencies.

Total cancer diagnoses rose from 252 in 2015 to 910 in 2023, before dropping to 856 in 2024.

Data for 2025 is only available for January (55 diagnoses) as the response was issued in February 2025.

Wider validated reports covering incidence and mortality up to 2019 are available via the Public Health website.


University College Isle of Man Monitoring Documents

Summary: The requester asked for investigation reports and action plans regarding University College Isle of Man's compliance with union monitoring document obligations between June 2022 and February 2025. The Department of Education, Sport and Culture withheld all information, citing exemptions related to the conduct of public business and confidential information.

The request was received on 4 February 2025 and responded to on 3 March 2025.

The authority confirmed that the requested information is held but exempt from disclosure.

The exemption is based on Section 35(c) regarding the prejudice to the effective conduct of public business.

Some information is also considered absolutely exempt under Section 26 as it was provided in confidence.

The Department argued that disclosure could inhibit staff from expressing themselves openly in future investigations.

22 June 2022
February 2025
4 February 2025
3 March 2025
4420873
Section 35
Section 26
IM4 3AS

Section 35(c) - Conduct of Public Business

Section 26 - Information provided in confidence


Reayrt Vradda

Summary: The request sought documentation regarding Port Erin Commissioner petitions for a campsite lease and evidence of due diligence on the grantee company. The Department of Infrastructure released 106 pages of correspondence detailing the petition process and legislative conditions, though the outcome was partially exempt.

The Department of Infrastructure received a request for information on petitions regarding Field 411412 at Ballafesson Road, Port Erin.

The lease proposal involves two terms of 7 years and one term of 6 years and 11 months.

Approval for the glamping site lease is conditional on Section 25 of the Local Government Act 1985 and Section 26(1) of the Local Government Act 1963.

Any associated works requiring borrowing would need separate approval under Section 51 of the Local Government Act 1985.

Hon Graham Cregeen MHK queried the disparity in lease approval times between Port Erin and Castletown Commissioners.

2025-02-04
2025-04-02
29 April 2021
19 June 2021
Field 411412
7 years
6 years & 11 months
106 pages
4 documents
Section 25
Section 26(1)
Section 51
12:00 noon
XX May 2021


Maternity services provided by Manx Care

Summary: A request was made for details on Manx Care's Infant Feeding Team, including staff numbers, job descriptions, and organizational changes, alongside data on caesarean sections and home birth reinstatement. The authority responded by providing the job description for the Infant Feeding Lead and confirming the outcome as 'All information sent', though the specific statistical data requested was not included in the provided text excerpt.

The Infant Feeding Lead reports to the Service Lead 0-19/Head of Midwifery within the Integrated Women, Children and Families division.

The role requires the post holder to be a Registered Nurse, Midwife, or Health Visitor with current NMC registration.

The job description outlines responsibilities to lead the implementation of the Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) across Manx Care.

The authority confirmed that all requested information was sent on 2025-03-03.

The response included a job evaluation reference number of 1055v2/JE/19 for the Infant Feeding Lead position.


Hospitality Board

Summary: A request for information regarding the Hospitality Isle of Man Board, including terms of reference, membership, minutes, and the resignation of its chair, resulted in partial disclosure. The Department for Enterprise released the terms of reference and initial meeting minutes but withheld other documents citing that the board is a volunteer group and the information is held on its behalf, while also exempting personal details regarding the chair's resignation.

The Hospitality Isle of Man Board is a volunteer group established by the industry with secretarial support from the Department for Enterprise.

The Terms of Reference were drafted in 2024 and are published on the Business Isle of Man website.

Current board membership is under review by the Interim Chair and scheduled for publication on 15 March 2025.

Minutes from meetings after the first one are withheld because they have not been signed off and the Department holds them on behalf of the board.

Information regarding the reasons for Jamie Lewis's resignation and related correspondence is withheld as personal information.

S8(2)(a) of the Act (Information held on behalf of another person)

Section 25 of the Act (Absolutely exempt information - personal data)


Benefits for Refugees and asylum seekers approved by Uk

Summary: A request was made to the Isle of Man Department of Health and Social Care for data on benefits, housing costs, and integration spending for UK-approved asylum seekers and refugees. The department refused to provide the information, stating it is not held by them and may be held by the Treasury.

The Department of Health and Social Care does not hold the requested information on asylum seeker benefits and costs.

The information may be held by the Treasury instead.

The request was received on 2025-02-06 and the response was issued on 2025-02-14.

The requester was advised to re-submit the request to the Treasury.

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


DHSC staffing and running costs

Summary: The request sought detailed staffing numbers, job titles, payroll costs, running expenses, sick days, contract staff, training costs, and regulatory actions for the Isle of Man Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). The authority provided a breakdown of job titles and specific payroll costs for 2023/24 and part of 2024/25, but withheld the total staff count citing that the information is reasonably accessible via a public quarterly report.

Total staff count was withheld under Section 20 of the FOI Act as it is available in the Isle of Man Government quarterly workforce report.

A detailed list of job titles and staff numbers per category was provided in an attached document.

The annual payroll cost for 2023/24 was confirmed as £2,376,129.89.

The partial annual payroll cost for 2024/25 (up to January 2025) was confirmed as £2,901,330.63.

The 2024/25 payroll figure includes an accrual for a potential civil service pay award yet to be agreed.

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


Bonus Payments

Summary: A request was made for details on Manx Care staff bonus payments, including counts, metrics, and totals since inception. The authority responded that the information is not held because Manx Care does not use a bonus payment framework, though occasional ex gratia payments are made without performance attribution.

Manx Care does not pay bonus payments to staff.

Staff are paid under defined terms and conditions.

Occasional ex gratia payments are made for various reasons.

Data held does not attribute ex gratia payments to performance metrics.

The request was refused under section 11(3)a of the Act as information is not held.


Enterprise Development Scheme 2018 (EDS)

Summary: The request sought detailed financial data on companies funded by the Enterprise Development Scheme 2018, including names, loan amounts, repayment terms, and returns. The Department for Enterprise disclosed the names of three funded companies and the total funding split but withheld specific individual financial details citing commercial sensitivity.

Three companies received investment under the EDS 2018: E-Sign Limited, Xlabs Limited, and Flix Facilities IOM Limited.

Total funding provided was £750,000, comprising £650,000 in loans and £100,000 in equity investment.

Specific loan amounts, repayment terms, and individual repayment status were withheld.

The Department cited Section 30(1)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act to exempt the detailed financial data.

The exemption was justified on the grounds that disclosure would prejudice the economic interests of the Island.

Section 30(1)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act (Prejudice to economic interests)


Digital Board

Summary: A request was made for a register of interests for Digital Isle of Man Board Members, but the Department for Enterprise responded that this information is not held.

The Department for Enterprise does not hold a register of interests for the Digital Isle of Man Board Members.

The authority only records interests where a potential conflict of interest may exist.

A previous similar request (FOI 4239641) regarding the DFE boards also resulted in information not being held.

Registers of interest for Political members of the Department are available via Tynwald Court Standing Orders.

The response to this request took twenty minutes to complete.


Cube Partnership/International

Summary: The requester asked for the amount of money recovered from Cube International Limited owed to the Isle of Man government and local businesses. The Department for Enterprise stated it could not provide this information because the liquidation process is still ongoing.

Cube International Limited appointed liquidators in February of the previous year.

The liquidation process is currently ongoing.

The Department for Enterprise does not hold the requested recovery figures until the liquidation is complete.

The request was received on 6 February 2025 and responded to on 24 February 2025.

The response took twenty minutes to complete.

6 February 2025
24 February 2025
February of last year
twenty minutes
4429845


Staffing

Summary: The requester asked for staffing numbers at the Attorney General's Chambers for the last five years, broken down by role and qualification. The authority responded by providing the last five years of Organisational Charts which detail the breakdown of roles across different divisions.

The request was received on 6 February 2025.

The response was issued on 26 February 2025.

The outcome was classified as 'All information sent'.

The authority provided Organisational Charts covering the last five years.

The charts show a breakdown of roles across different Divisions within Chambers.

6 February 2025
26 February 2025
2025-02-28
4429846
last five years
2 pages
1 document


TT changes cost and information

Summary: The request sought details on the decision-making process and costs regarding the shortening of the Manx Grand Prix schedule in 2022 and its subsequent reversion to a two-week format including the Classic TT. The Department for Enterprise disclosed that the 2022 changes were a joint decision with the MMCC to ensure sustainability, while the 2024 reversion was driven by concerns over decreased visitor numbers and financial pressures.

The decision to shorten the 2022 Manx Grand Prix schedule was made jointly by the Manx Motorcycle Club (MMCC) and the Department for Enterprise (DfE).

The 2022 restructuring removed the Classic TT designation and reduced the event duration from 14 days to 9 days.

The DfE decided in 2024 to reintroduce the Classic TT and restore a two-week format following stakeholder concerns.

The 2024 decision was driven by data showing decreased visitor numbers and increased financial pressures resulting from the 2022 changes.

ACU Events Ltd was appointed as the race organiser in 2022 to align safety with the Isle of Man TT.


Digital Isle of Man - Tech Awards 2024

Summary: The requester sought details on applications and judging for the 2024 Tech Team of the Year category, receiving a partial disclosure that included one specific application entry and evaluation criteria while withholding other requested data.

The Department for Enterprise released one application entry for the Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC) Analysis Team from Computer Network Defence (CND) Ltd.

The disclosed application details a project automating cyber security reporting using Power BI and Microsoft Fabric.

The response includes the specific evaluation criteria and weighting used for judging the category.

Information regarding the total number of applications, full judging scores, and vote counts was not provided in the disclosed text.

The response document is marked as 'CONFIDENTIAL - COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE'.


Parentcraft Classes

Summary: The requester sought correspondence and cost details regarding Manx Care's transition of parentcraft classes from face-to-face to online models. Manx Care provided the requested correspondence via attachments and disclosed specific staffing costs for both session types, noting that online resources incurred no direct cost.

Manx Care moved parentcraft sessions for expectant mothers to an online model.

Correspondence regarding feedback and the decision to stop face-to-face sessions was provided in attached documents.

Face-to-face sessions for expectant mothers cost approximately £234 per Band 6 midwife.

Online parentcraft sessions have no direct cost as videos were recorded internally during working hours.

Face-to-face sessions for expectant fathers cost approximately £52 per Band 6 midwife.


Parentcraft Classes

Summary: The request sought correspondence regarding the decision to move parentcraft classes from face-to-face to an online model. The authority disclosed a parliamentary answer and supplementary information explaining the rationale for the change, though some internal correspondence was withheld under exemptions.

Parentcraft sessions are transitioning from in-person to video-based to improve accessibility, flexibility, and consistency.

The online content was launched in early February 2025.

The decision was not driven by cost savings but by the need for inclusivity and self-paced learning.

The new initiative will be reviewed in six months to evaluate its effectiveness.

Video sessions include a virtual tour of the maternity ward and Neonatal Unit, which was not previously available to all parents.

2025-02-11
2025-03-11
28 January 2025
September 2024
early February 2025
6 months
24 pages
3 documents


Spending per pupil in both primary and secondary phases

Summary: The requester asked for the formula and precise figures used to calculate the reported £8,700 per-pupil spending in secondary education and equivalent data for primary education. The Department of Education, Sport and Culture responded by sending all requested information held.

The request concerned the calculation of annual spending per pupil in both primary and secondary phases.

The Minister of Education reported a figure of £8,700 per pupil in the secondary phase to the House of Keys.

The authority confirmed that all information held regarding the request was sent to the applicant.

The response was issued by the Policy, Strategy and Governance Division of DESC.

The request was received on 11 February 2025 and closed on 5 March 2025.

£8,700
9 July 2024
11 February 2025
5 March 2025
4433033
2 pages
1 document


Closure of greenlanes during TT

Summary: The request sought details on the decision-making process, specific locations, dates, and impact assessments regarding greenlane closures during the 2025 Isle of Man TT. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed that no formal decision or impact assessment has been made yet, though the closures are being monitored by DEFA Rangers and Police.

The proposal to close greenways was jointly made by DEFA and DoI officers.

A formal decision on the closures has not yet been made by the Department.

No impact assessment was produced for the closures.

The Department for Enterprise was included in discussions via the Countryside Access Group.

DEFA Rangers and Police will monitor the closures.


Performance

Summary: A request was made to Manx Care for staff numbers in specific teams and data on off-island referrals and external companies used for performance improvement. The authority disclosed staff counts for Performance, Quality, Finance, and Contracts teams, confirmed the use of four off-island companies, and detailed the data held on referrals, though it noted some functions cannot be split strictly by healthcare settings.

There are 4 staff employed as Performance Managers or officers within the Performance & Business Intelligence Team.

4 off-island companies have been engaged in the last 3 years to improve performance, waiting lists, or appointments.

The Quality & Safety Team consists of 12 staff members.

Finance functions are provided via a Shared Service Agreement with Treasury, with a dedicated Finance Advisory Service team of 9.6 FTE.

Manx Care does not have a Commissioning team but has a Contracts Team made up of 11 staff managing around 520 contracts.


Performance

Summary: The requester asked for details on services provided by Meridian to Manx Care over the last three years. Manx Care disclosed that a contract with Meridian Productivity was active from August 2024 to January 2025 to examine efficiencies in specific healthcare areas.

Manx Care contracted Meridian Productivity to examine efficiencies and productivity.

The contract period was from 27th August 2024 to 10th January 2025.

The scope of work covered Community Nursing, Allied Health Professionals, Outpatient Departments, and Diagnostic Services.

The work has been completed as of the response date.

No services were provided by Meridian prior to August 2024 within the requested three-year window.


Lost income tax revenue

Summary: The requester asked for estimates of income tax revenue lost since 2011 due to the abolition of the Attribution Regime for Individuals. The Treasury responded that it does not hold this information as no such estimates are collected or reviewed following the regime's abolition.

The Treasury does not hold estimates of income tax revenue lost through the accumulation of income in zero-rated companies since the 2011 abolition of the Attribution Regime for Individuals (ARI).

The Income Tax Division does not collect or review information regarding potential revenue loss from this specific mechanism.

A 2012 consultation on the 2012-2016 Tax Strategy stated that the abolition of ARI was not expected to lead to an actual loss of income tax revenue, though it could affect the timing of taxation.

The ARI was an anti-avoidance mechanism designed to prevent the use of 0% companies to 'wrap up' investments and defer tax.

The request was refused under section 11(3)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 because the information is not held.


TT green lane closure

Summary: The request sought documentation justifying the closure of green lanes during the TT and MGP events to ensure proportionality and necessity. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed internal emails confirming that temporary closures for specific lanes were approved to mitigate damage and danger, while rejecting permanent road extinguishment.

Temporary closures are approved for the two-week periods of the TT and MGP events only.

The Department refuses to permanently extinguish roads due to the illegal behavior of private individuals.

Specific lanes identified for closure orders include Park Llewellyn, Snaefell Mines, Cronk Breck, and Gov Lochs Road.

A mapping team and informational signage are being used as part of a multi-strand plan to obstruct unauthorized access.

DEFA has requested permanent road downgrades, but the Department maintains that temporary measures are the appropriate legal response.

1st January 2024
2025-02-10
2025-03-14
4 Feb 2025
03 February 2025
18 pages
2 documents
two week period
D37
nine miler


Closure of Greeways during the TT festival

Summary: The requester asked for the identity of the official who decided to close greenways during the TT festival and whether off-road users were consulted. The Department of Infrastructure responded that the proposal was jointly made by DEFA and DoI officers, no formal decision has been made yet, and the Countryside Access Group representing off-road users was included in discussions.

The proposal to close greenways was jointly made by DEFA and DoI Officers.

A formal decision on the closures has not yet been made by the Department.

The Countryside Access Group has been included in discussions regarding the closures.

The Countryside Access Group includes members of the off-roading community.

The request was received on 10 February 2025 and responded to on 4 March 2025.


MDC financial statements

Summary: The requester asked for the latest financial statements for the Manx Development Corporation (MDC). The Treasury refused to send the documents directly, citing that the information is already reasonably accessible online via the Tynwald Court Official Report.

The request was received on 10 February 2025 and amended on 18 February 2025.

The response was issued on 24 February 2025 under reference number 4437922.

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

The requested financial statements cover the year ended 31 March 2024.

Documents include reports for MDC, WMV Limited, and FNH Limited.

10 February 2025
18 February 2025
24 February 2025
4437922
31 March 2024
10th December 2024
section 20
Freedom of Information Act 2015

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


Equality Impact Assessments - Triple Lock

Summary: The request sought Equality Impact Assessments and meeting minutes regarding the decision to end the triple lock and introduce the Manx Pension Guarantee. The Treasury disclosed three documents, including an Equality Impact Screening Assessment and a Full Equality Impact Assessment, confirming that the policy change was assessed for its impact on protected groups.

The Treasury completed an Equality Impact Screening Assessment (EISA) on 10/01/2024.

A Full Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) was required and completed for the policy change.

The policy involves changing away from UK policy and removing the increase at the higher of average earnings.

The assessment was conducted by Sarah De-Yoxall from the Social Security Division.

The outcome of the FOI request was that all requested information was sent.


Staff bonuses

Summary: A request was made for details on staff bonuses, contracts, and authorization metrics at the Department for Enterprise, which was ultimately not upheld following an internal review regarding excessive redactions of non-personal data.

The Department for Enterprise pays bonuses to 7 staff members under individual contracts designed to attract private-sector expertise.

These contracts offer flexible terms outside the standard Public Services Commission framework and exclude pension contributions.

Bonus payments are linked to divisional or agency plans rather than individual key performance indicators.

The internal review was submitted by Leonard Trevor Cowin on 16 April 2025, arguing that redactions of roles and dates were unjustified.

The final outcome of the case was 'Not upheld' on 25 April 2025.

7 members of staff
20% of salary per annum
2025-02-11
2025-04-25
16/04/2025
10 March 2025
Data Protection Act 2018
case_id: 4439481
79 pages
3 documents

Data Protection Act 2018
applied GDPR
right to privacy


Family Court Welfare Complaints

Summary: The requester asked for the number of complaints against Family Court Welfare Officers since 2015, but the Department of Home Affairs refused to provide a comprehensive dataset as it would require creating new information. However, the authority voluntarily disclosed specific complaint counts for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024.

The request was refused under section 11(3)(b) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 because compiling the data would require creating or deriving information.

There are no written records of complaints against Family Court Welfare Officers dating back to 2015.

The Department of Home Affairs confirmed two written complaints occurred in 2022.

No written complaints were recorded in 2023.

Three written complaints were recorded in 2024.

Section 11(3)(b) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015

Section 8(3)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015


Complaints Against Social Workers

Summary: The requester asked for annual complaint statistics against Social Workers since 2015 and detailed categorization of those complaints. The Department of Health and Social Care provided aggregate complaint numbers but stated it does not hold specific categorization data for complaints made before the April 2021 separation of services to Manx Care.

The Department of Health and Social Care does not hold detailed categorization of complaints made before 01 April 2021.

Following the separation of policy and service delivery on 01 April 2021, specific complaint data is held by Manx Care.

The provided complaint figures include issues regarding social care workers, fostering, adoption, and legal claims.

Complaints were made by various parties including parents, guardians, grandparents, and care workers.

The requester was advised to submit a new request to Manx Care for more granular data.

2015 – 12 complaints
2016 – 17 complaints
2017 – 11 complaints
2018 – 8 complaints
2019 & 2020 – 35 complaints
01 Jan – 01 Apr 2021 – 1 complaint
01 April 2021
2015
2025-02-11
2025-03-06


Unpaid Harbour Dues

Summary: A request was made to the Department of Infrastructure for the number of boats in Douglas marina and storage areas currently in arrears with harbour dues. The authority disclosed the specific count of vessels in arrears for each location.

The request was received on 12 February 2025 and responded to on 14 February 2025.

There are 15 vessels in arrears while in the water at Douglas marina.

There are 3 vessels in arrears at Tongue Storage.

There are 10 vessels in arrears at the Boat Park.

The total number of vessels in arrears across all specified locations is 28.


Department Bonuses

Summary: A request was made to the Department of Infrastructure regarding bonuses paid to senior civil servants over the last 10 years and their pre-agreed objectives. The authority responded that it does not hold this information and suggested contacting the Public Services Commission instead.

The Department of Infrastructure does not hold information regarding staff bonuses.

The request covered a 10-year period for senior civil servants.

The authority suggested the Public Services Commission may be able to assist.

The request was formally closed on 27 February 2025.

The outcome was classified as 'Information not held'.


Equality Assessment

Summary: The request sought data on equality impact assessments since the Equality Act 2017, including screening numbers and rationales for non-production. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture disclosed the total number of screened decisions and a list of assessments by year, but refused to provide the specific rationale for not producing full assessments as it was not held in the requested format.

The Department screened 39 decisions since the Equality Act 2017 came into force.

Six of the screened decisions required a full equality assessment.

The public sector equality duty sections of the Act came into force on 01 January 2019.

The authority refused to provide the rationale for not producing full assessments due to the cost of research and analysis.

A total of 6 equality assessments were completed or are in progress between 2021 and 2025.

39 decisions screened
6 full equality assessments
01 January 2019
2021: 1 assessment
2022: 0 assessments
2023: 1 assessment
2024: 3 assessments
2025: 1 assessment (in progress)
Reference number 4446557
Section 11(3)(b)
Section 8(3)

Section 8(3) Right of access to information held by public authorities (specifically subsections a, b, and c regarding creation, research, and compilation)


Staff bonus payments

Summary: The requester sought details on 'special permission' for non-standard staff contracts and copies of individual bonus assessments and objectives for the Department for Enterprise. The authority disclosed the relevant Civil Service Order and Act granting the permission but withheld specific individual remuneration assessments and objectives, citing partial exemptions.

The Department for Enterprise received 'special permission' via the Civil Service (Amendment of Schedule 1) Order 2013 to use individual contracts outside the standard Public Services Commission structure.

This permission was granted by the Council of Ministers and approved by Tynwald under the Civil Service Act 1990.

The authority provided the legal Order and Act but did not release copies of individual staff bonus assessments or pre-agreed objectives.

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

The request was triggered by a Manx Radio News Report dated 12 February 2025 regarding bonus payments in four Executive Agencies.

Part exempt (specific exemption clauses not detailed in the provided text snippet)


Equality impact assessment

Summary: The requester asked for statistics on equality impact assessments conducted by Manx Utilities since the Equality Act 2017, but the authority refused the request because it would require creating new information or conducting analysis not mandated by the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

Manx Utilities is not required to maintain a central registry or database of equality assessment screenings.

The authority cited Sections 8(3)(a) and 8(3)(b) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 to refuse the request.

Compliance would require the creation or derivation of information which the Act does not oblige the authority to do.

The authority noted a similar question was raised in the House of Keys regarding a Wind Turbine project on 25 February 2025.

The request was formally closed on 7 March 2025.

Freedom of Information Act 2015 Section 8(3)(a)

Freedom of Information Act 2015 Section 8(3)(b)


On the 7th December 2025 the storm brought trees down on Surby road.

Summary: A request was made for the specific repair costs of overhead power cables damaged by storm-felled trees on Surby Road in December 2025. The Manx Utilities Authority responded that the information is not held because emergency costs are booked to a generic daywork number rather than specific fault records.

Approximately 20 trees were felled on Surby Road during a storm on 7 December 2025.

The fallen trees caused damage to Manx Utilities Authority (MUA) overhead power cables.

MUA does not hold specific cost data for this incident as emergency costs are aggregated under a generic daywork number.

Specific cost breakdowns are only available for planned and scheme works booked to specific project numbers.

The request was formally closed on 24 February 2025.

7 December 2025
20 trees
13 February 2025
24 February 2025
4446857
Section 11(3)(a)

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


DfE Executive Agencies Annual Budgets

Summary: The requester asked for annual budgets of four Department for Enterprise Executive Agencies for years where bonus or performance pay was issued. The authority responded by providing hyperlinks to the relevant 'Pink Book' budget documents covering the years 2016 to 2024.

The request targeted budgets for Visit IOM, Business IOM, Finance IOM, and Digital IOM.

The Department for Enterprise provided links to budget documents previously shared in request 4446657.

The response included budget documents ranging from the 2016-17 financial year to the 2023-24 financial year.

The authority stated the response took thirty minutes to complete.

No information was withheld; all requested data was provided via links.


Summary: The request sought budget allocations, session details, and attendance figures for Children's with Disabilities Short Breaks services at Ramsey Respite Centre and Braddan Hub for 2021-2024. Manx Care disclosed full budgetary data, operational timings, capacity details, and specific statistics on the number of children served across both settings.

Ramsey Respite Centre operates 7 nights a week with 27-30 overnight sessions, while Braddan Hub offers 36-37 sessions weekly.

The Outreach Service was piloted in summer 2022 and received a dedicated budget starting in 2023/24.

A total of 17 children receive services from Ramsey Respite Centre, and 45 children access Braddan Hub.

Six children receive services from both centres, with five attending day care at Braddan and overnight at Ramsey.

Neither facility provides respite care during Bank Holiday periods.


Trees blown down on Surby road

Summary: A request was made to the Department of Infrastructure regarding the cost of clearing trees blown down on Surby road on 7 December. The authority disclosed that the total cost for the work was £1900.00 plus VAT.

Trees were blown down on Surby road on 7 December.

The Department of Infrastructure was responsible for cutting away and removing the trees.

The cost of the work was £1900.00 plus VAT.

The request was received on 14 February 2025 and responded to on 12 March 2025.

All information requested was provided with no exemptions applied.


Staff bonuses and performance related pay

Summary: The requester asked for details on staff bonus and performance-related pay schemes, including specific payment lists for the last six tax years. The Isle of Man Financial Services Authority confirmed it does not operate a formal bonus scheme but disclosed the existence of a discretionary performance-related incentive for 2023/24, while withholding individual payment data due to privacy exemptions.

The Authority does not operate a contractual staff bonus or performance-related pay (PRP) scheme.

A discretionary non-consolidated performance-related incentive (PRI) was introduced in April 2023 for the 2023/24 financial year.

PRI allocation is decided by a moderation panel comprising the CEO and Senior Steering Group members.

There is no commitment to continue PRI payments in future years as the strategy is reviewed annually.

Individual staff names, job titles, and specific payment amounts were withheld from the response.

Absolutely Exempt Personal Information - s25(b)(i)&(ii)


School capacity

Summary: A requester sought data on school capacities, mobile classroom usage, and replacement plans across the Isle of Man, resulting in a partial disclosure of mobile classroom inventories but withholding specific capacity figures and strategic planning details.

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture provided a list of mobile classrooms for various primary and secondary schools.

The Information Commissioner upheld the request partially, confirming the authority conducted a reasonable search.

The requester challenged the data accuracy, noting missing mobile classrooms at QEII High School and Willaston Primary School.

Specific information regarding maximum school capacities and current enrollment numbers was not fully disclosed in the provided text.

Plans to replace aging mobile classrooms or build new schools in overcapacity areas were not detailed in the response.


Linkspan

Summary: The request sought emergency plans for delivering food and people to the Isle of Man if Douglas Harbour or its link spans became inoperable. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed that the IOM Harbours Business Continuity Plan outlines transferring operations to the remaining linkspan or utilizing alternative berths and container vessels.

The scenario is covered in the IOM Harbours Business Continuity Plan, Section 4.3.

If one linkspan is lost, all freight and passenger operations transfer to the second linkspan with rescheduled sailings.

If both linkspans are lost, operations may utilize the north side of Victoria Pier (berth #3) for lift-on/lift-off.

Freight operations could be transferred to a chartered small container vessel.

Alternative ports for container operations include Victoria Pier, Commercial Quay in Ramsey Harbour, and Peel Breakwater.


Growth

Summary: A request was made for details on growth areas identified in external validations of Isle of Man high schools and the support provided, but the Department of Education, Sport and Culture withheld all information citing exemptions related to audit functions, policy formulation, and the conduct of public business.

The request was received on 2025-02-19 and the response was issued on 2025-03-04.

The Department determined that all requested information was held but exempt from disclosure.

The external validation process is described as 'live' and ongoing.

Etio is the body responsible for carrying out the external validation of schools.

The Department argued that disclosure would prejudice the effectiveness of the audit and hinder open professional dialogue.

Section 35 (c) – Conduct of Public Business


SPC Opening Hours

Summary: The requester asked for a breakdown of Specialist Provision Centre (SPC) opening times and the policy rationale for variations, but the Department of Education, Sport and Culture stated it does not hold the specific policy or equality impact assessment requested.

SPC opening times generally match the compulsory school day of the host school.

The SPC at University College Isle of Man operates from 9am to 3pm.

The Department does not hold a specific policy or equality impact assessment regarding SPC opening time variations.

School opening times vary between institutions and are published on individual school websites.

Transport timetables managed by Bus Vannin can cause learners to arrive or depart at different times.


FOI Request - Patient Transfers from the Isle of Man


legal expenses

Summary: A request was made for statistics on negligence cases and legal expenses involving Manx Care over the last five years. The Department of Health and Social Care responded that they do not hold this information as it is not reported to them and advised contacting Manx Care directly.

The Department of Health and Social Care does not hold information on negligence cases against Manx Care.

The Quality and Compliance and Mandate Performance teams confirmed the data is not reported to the Department.

The requester was advised to submit a new Freedom of Information request directly to Manx Care.

The request was closed on 25 February 2025 with an outcome date of 2025-03-06.

The response was issued by Chief Officer Paul Richardson.


Pollution in Port Erin

Summary: The requester inquired about charges brought against companies involved in the demolition of the Marine Biological Station following pollution incidents in Port Erin Bay. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture confirmed that no charges were brought against any of the companies involved.

No charges were brought against Island Drainage or other companies involved in the demolition.

The demolition of the Marine Biological Station resulted in diesel and kerosene heating oil entering the drainage system and Port Erin Bay.

Millions of polystyrene beads from building insulation were dispersed and remain on the beach after stormy tides.

The request was received on 19 February 2025 and responded to on 28 February 2025.


Business Cases

Summary: The requester asked for business cases regarding children's therapy and respite services, and Manx Care disclosed minutes from an October 2024 review meeting discussing a revised business case for short breaks and residential services, as well as a patient engagement platform.

Manx Care disclosed minutes from an Extraordinary Business Case Review Group meeting held on 22 October 2024.

A revised business case for 'Children with Disabilities – Short Breaks and Residential Services' was discussed, noting current services are not meeting statutory requirements.

The meeting highlighted that future needs for children's respite services will result in a crisis if requirements expand without intervention.

A proposal for a 'Patient Engagement Platform' (Doctor Doctor) was reviewed to reduce appointment letters and DNA rates.

It was noted that strategic planning and direction are currently lacking for the children's services business case.

22nd October 2024
1.30pm
1.50pm
5 bedroom unit
item 155/24
item 156/24
Page 1 of 3
Page 2 of 3
Page 3 of 3


Fire Extinguishers in Government Buildings

Summary: The request sought details on fire extinguisher maintenance contracts, quantities, and expenditure for Isle of Man government buildings. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed the current provider, contract dates, approximate extinguisher count, and financial data, but refused to provide inspection certificates due to cost and compilation exemptions.

The current fire extinguisher maintenance contract was procured in May/June 2023.

Unique Fire Protection Ltd is the successful bidder for the current contract.

The contract is due to expire in June 2026.

There are approximately 4,000 extinguishers across 220 government sites.

P50 extinguishers and vehicle extinguishers are not covered by the main maintenance contract.

Section 8 (3)(c) - Substantial compilation or collation of information

Section 11 (3) part f - Cost of searching for or preparing information exceeds prescribed amount


Fire Risk Assessments in Schools

Summary: The requester asked for fire risk assessment reports and fire extinguisher discharge statistics for all island schools. The Department of Education withheld the risk assessments citing safety exemptions but provided discharge data for secondary schools only.

Fire risk assessments and safety policies were withheld under Section 36 of the Act to prevent endangering individuals.

The Department only provided data for secondary schools due to the substantial compilation required for the full request.

St Ninians High School reported one accidental or deliberate fire extinguisher discharge in the 2024/25 academic year.

Four other secondary schools reported zero discharges for the same period.

The public interest test determined that safeguarding children and staff outweighed the interest in transparency.

Section 36 of the Act (Prejudice to safety of individuals)


Policy on Charitable Donations in Schools

Summary: A request was made to the Department of Education, Sport and Culture regarding a central policy on charitable donations in schools following an incident at St Ninians High School. The authority responded that no such central policy is held, though they provided a link to a related Tynwald written question response.

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture does not hold a central policy relating to charitable donations in schools.

The request was prompted by an incident at St Ninians High School involving public humiliation of students for not donating £1 for dress down days.

The authority provided a link to a Tynwald written question response regarding charity donations for dress down days as advice.

The request was formally closed on 14 March 2025.

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


Legal Aid Provided, Cost and Time Frame For Court Proceedings

Summary: The requester asked the Cabinet Office for statistics on legal aid recipients, costs, and court timeframes for the 2023-2024 tax year. The Cabinet Office responded that it does not hold this information and directed the requester to contact The Treasury instead.

The Cabinet Office does not hold the requested information regarding legal aid statistics.

The request was received on 20 February 2025 and responded to on 21 February 2025.

The Treasury is identified as the likely authority holding the requested data.

The requester was advised to submit a new Freedom of Information request directly to The Treasury.

The case reference number for this request is 4462995.


Children with Complex Needs

Summary: The request sought business cases for children with complex needs and the number of paediatric learning disability nurses; the authority disclosed a revised business case document detailing cost reductions and strategic changes but did not explicitly confirm the nurse count in the provided text.

The Children and Young People with Complex Healthcare Needs (CYPCHN) Business Case was presented to Manx Care BCRG on 14 November 2024.

Due to financial challenges, the BCRG advised focusing on 'invest to save' opportunities to strengthen the case.

The Respite Business Case is independent of the CYPCHN Business Case but complementary in delivering improvements.

Revised costs for the CYPCHN initiative were reduced from £272,476 to £153,515 total.

The proposal to recruit a Band 5 nurse for an Assistant Care Coordinator role was eliminated in favor of using an existing secondment.


Year 7 Baseline Assessment Tests 2024-25

Summary: The request sought Year 7 baseline assessment data for Island secondary schools for the 2024-25 academic year, including reading ages and cognitive ability test results. The Department of Education, Sport and Culture disclosed all requested information, providing a detailed dataset of individual student scores across verbal, quantitative, non-verbal, and spatial domains.

The request was made to the Department of Education, Sport and Culture on 2025-02-21.

The outcome was 'All information sent' on 2025-03-20.

The response included 26 pages and 8 documents containing individual student assessment data.

Data covers Reading Age, Verbal, Quantitative, Non-verbal, and Spatial profiles for 36 students.

Specific test metrics such as Standard Age Scores (SAS), National Percentile Ranks (NPR), and Stanines were provided.

2025-02-21
2025-03-20
26 pages
8 documents
36 students
Reading Age 6.1 to 17
Verbal SAS 76 to 125
Quantitative SAS 75 to 139
Non-verbal SAS 79 to 116
Spatial SAS 76 to 124


Working families info

Summary: The request sought data on the number of families expected to benefit from a £10,000 increase in the child benefit income threshold. The Treasury disclosed that approximately 2,000 families will benefit, with the new thresholds taking effect in April 2025.

Around 2,000 families are estimated to benefit from the income threshold increase.

The upper income threshold for child benefit is increasing from £80,000 to £90,000.

The changes will come into effect from the week commencing 7 April 2025.

The income test considers most types of income, not just wages or salary.

Families must make an appropriate claim to become newly entitled to child benefit.