Furbate Limited / the Hubb funding

Summary: A request was made for details on government funding provided to Furbate Limited for 'the Hubb', but the Department for Enterprise refused to disclose the specific amounts.

The Department for Enterprise confirmed an offer of funding was made to Furbate Ltd under the Financial Assistance Scheme.

The specific funding amount was withheld under Section 30 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

The exemption was applied because disclosure could prejudice the economic interests of the island by discouraging businesses from applying for support.

The information is scheduled to be published in the Enterprise Act 2008 Annual Report for 2018/19 in autumn 2019.

The Department advised contacting other departments separately regarding potential funding from the Treasury or other sources.

Section 30 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Prejudice to economic interests)


Glyphosate Useage

Summary: A request was made to the Department of Infrastructure regarding the use of glyphosate-based herbicides in public areas like schools due to health concerns. The authority responded by disclosing a Safety Data Sheet for 'Barclay Gallup 360 SL', confirming the product contains glyphosate and is used for agricultural and horticultural purposes.

The Department of Infrastructure confirmed the use of a glyphosate-based herbicide named 'Barclay Gallup 360 SL'.

The product is identified as an Agricultural/Horticultural Herbicide.

The Safety Data Sheet indicates the product contains 60-100% Glyphosate Isopropylamine.

The chemical is classified as toxic to aquatic organisms and poses a risk of serious damage to eyes.

The response included 39 pages across 2 documents.


Blockchain Office cost

Summary: A request was made to confirm the rental costs paid by the Digital Isle of Man Agency for blockchain offices located in the Hubb. The Department for Enterprise disclosed that the agency pays £30,000 per year in rent for these offices.

The Department for Enterprise responded on behalf of the Digital Isle of Man Agency.

The blockchain offices are located in the Hubb.

The annual rent paid for the blockchain offices is £30,000.

The request was received on 16 May 2019 and closed on 10 June 2019.

All information requested was provided with no exemptions applied.


Information on Government support of Eagle Labs

Summary: The requester asked for details on direct financial support provided to Barclays' Eagle Labs by the Department for Enterprise. The authority responded that no direct financial support was held, but referenced a separate agreement involving a financial guarantee for rent.

The Department for Enterprise does not hold information on direct financial support for Eagle Labs as none was provided directly.

A joint agreement exists between the Department, Barclays Bank, and the Chamber of Commerce to provide a financial guarantee for Eagle Labs rent.

The guarantee covers periods where income is insufficient to pay rent.

Barclays Bank fitted out the premises and operates the Eagle Lab under a network agreement with the Chamber of Commerce.

The response references a previous FOI request (824965) for details on the guarantee amounts.


Ramsey Marina

Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture

Summary: The request sought correspondence, meeting records, and awareness details regarding the proposed Ramsey Marina between DEFA and Ramsey Marina Ltd. The authority disclosed all requested information, including a detailed press release outlining the project's design, costs, and economic benefits.

The proposed marina is designed to have 400 berths with 24/7 access and no tidal restrictions.

The project involves constructing a new breakwater and reclaiming land using dredged sand.

Funding is estimated at £100m, split equally between property sales and private sector investment.

The development aims to create up to 300 full-time equivalent jobs and add £1m to local GDP.

A new yacht club and boutique hotel are planned as part of the mixed-use development.

29 January 2019
30th January 2019
400 berths
350 metres
3m depth
6 - 9m depth
400 metres
40% reclaimed area
£100m
50%
500 competitors
10,000 additional visitors
£1m
300 FTE jobs
400 boats


Ramsey Marina

Summary: The requester asked for correspondence, meeting records, and the timeline of Manx Utilities Authority's awareness regarding the Ramsey Marina proposal involving Mr. Robin Bromley Martin. The authority disclosed that no such correspondence or meetings occurred but confirmed they first learned of the proposal in mid-May 2018 via a third party.

Manx Utilities Authority holds no correspondence, meeting records, or minutes involving Mr. Robin Bromley Martin or Ramsey Marina Ltd with its Chairman or CEO.

The authority first became aware of the current Ramsey Marina proposal in mid-May 2018.

The initial awareness of the proposal came following an approach by Port Evolution and Development (Africa) Limited (PEDA).

No further design information regarding the proposal has been provided to the authority.

The request was received on 17 May 2019 and the response was issued on 29 May 2019.


Ramsey Marina

Summary: The request sought correspondence, meeting details, and minutes regarding the Ramsey Marina proposal between the Department for Enterprise and Mr. Robin Bromley Martin. The authority disclosed meeting dates and the timeline of awareness but withheld correspondence and minutes under a qualified exemption to protect free and frank advice.

The Department for Enterprise first became aware of the Ramsey Marina proposal in April 2018.

Two specific meetings were held between the DfE leadership and Mr. Robin Bromley Martin in 2018.

Correspondence and meeting minutes were withheld to prevent inhibiting the free and frank provision of advice.

The public interest test determined that maintaining the exemption outweighed the factors for disclosure.

The request outcome was upheld partially by the Information Commissioner.

Section 35 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Prejudice to the effective conduct of public business and inhibition of free and frank provision of advice)


Human Resources

Summary: The requester asked for government employment statistics, an on-boarding policy, details on payroll errors, and the HR CEO's salary. The Cabinet Office provided the on-boarding policy but withheld the other requested information, citing partial exemptions.

The request was received on 2019-05-20 and the outcome was issued on 2019-06-11.

The authority responded with a 49-page on-boarding policy document titled 'Planning for your new team member'.

Information regarding total government employment numbers was not disclosed.

Details about the largest payroll error amount were not disclosed.

The annual salary of the CEO of Human Resources was not disclosed.


Enterprise Development Scheme

Summary: The request sought details on payments, fund manager fees, and job creation under the Isle of Man's Enterprise Development Scheme. The authority disclosed the total fees paid to the former fund manager and the number of jobs created, but withheld specific recipient names pending future publication under a qualified exemption.

The relationship with fund manager SPARK Impact ended on 18 January 2019.

Fees paid to SPARK Impact totaled £631,372 excluding VAT.

As of 30 November 2018, 20 new jobs were created through the scheme.

Some business recipient names were withheld as they are scheduled for publication in the 2018/19 Annual Report.

The Department for Enterprise now manages the scheme internally.

£631,372
18 January 2019
30 November 2018
20 jobs
50 million fund
2018/19
autumn 2019
March 2019

Section 41 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Information intended for future publication)


Changes to Employed Person's Allowance.

Summary: A request for information regarding social impact assessments and specific cost calculations for changes to the Employed Person's Allowance was largely refused because the Treasury does not hold the requested data, though a financial impact assessment overview was provided.

The Treasury confirmed no Social Impact Assessment was undertaken as defined by the requester.

A full public consultation was conducted, and the response document is available online.

Financial impact assessments using various scenarios were used to formulate the policy.

The Treasury does not hold information on unsupervised child hours or the specific cost of changing the youngest child age limit to 16.

Raising the age limit would have reduced potential expenditure savings rather than increased costs.

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


Pancreatic Cancer in the Isle of Man

Summary: A request was made for statistics on total deaths, cancer deaths, and pancreatic cancer diagnoses, treatments, and survival rates in the Isle of Man between 2013 and 2018. The Department of Health and Social Care provided annual death and cancer statistics, pancreatic cancer diagnosis numbers from 2014 onwards, and treatment breakdowns, but noted that validated survival rate data was not yet available.

Total deaths on the Isle of Man ranged from 778 in 2013 to 919 in 2018.

Cancer accounted for between 229 and 272 deaths annually during the requested period.

Pancreatic cancer diagnosis data was not collected in 2013 due to the absence of the Somerset Cancer Registry System.

Diagnoses of pancreatic cancer increased from 2 in 2014 to 8 in 2018.

A total of 27 pancreatic cancer patients received first-line treatment, with Palliative Care being the most common type (15 cases).

Validated average survival rates for pancreatic cancer were not available at the time of the response.


Adoption

Summary: A Freedom of Information request was made to the Isle of Man Department of Health and Social Care regarding adoption statistics, specifically concerning waiting adopters, children in foster care with adoption plans, and foster-to-adopt placements. The authority responded by disclosing specific figures for all three questions asked.

There are currently 4 adopters on the Isle of Man waiting for a child placement.

Of the 10 children under age 5 in foster care, 4 have a plan of adoption.

In the past 5 years, 2 children were adopted by their foster carers after being placed with them before age 2.

The request was received on 20 May 2019 and the response was issued on 11 June 2019.

The response was provided by the Chief Executive, Angela Murray.


2012  Report of Colorectal Surgery at Noble's

Summary: The request sought a confidential 2012 investigative report by Mr. Stevan George Stojkovic regarding complications in elective colorectal surgery at Noble's Hospital, which was fully disclosed by the Department of Health and Social Care. The report details a specific case of unnecessary surgery and post-operative sepsis, leading to recommendations for improved clinical guidelines and monitoring.

Elective colorectal resections at Noble Hospital were suspended following a run of complications.

The investigation was conducted by Mr. Stevan George Stojkovic, a Consultant Colorectal Surgeon from York Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Case 1 involved a 72-year-old man who underwent a right hemicolectomy despite no cancer being found in the resected specimen.

The report criticizes the failure to perform a pre-operative colonoscopy and the use of abdominal ultrasound instead of CT for investigating post-operative sepsis.

Recommendations include establishing a Colorectal MDT and using invasive monitoring techniques like oesophageal Doppler.


Pancreatic cancer and pancreaticoduodenectomy

Summary: A request was made for statistics on pancreaticoduodenectomy referrals, costs, and patient outcomes in the Isle of Man between 2014 and 2018. The Department of Health and Social Care disclosed that only three such surgeries were performed, all at the Royal Liverpool Hospital, but refused to provide referral numbers or costs as the data was not held in a reportable format.

Between 2014 and 2018, only three pancreaticoduodenectomy surgeries were completed for IOM patients.

All three surgeries were performed at the Royal Liverpool Hospital.

The authority could not provide referral numbers because the patient administration system records referrals by specialty, not by specific procedure.

Cost data per procedure was withheld because it would require creating or deriving information not currently held.

The response was issued on 11 June 2019 regarding a request received on 27 May 2019.

two Pylorus Preserving Pancreaticoduodenectomy surgeries

Section 8(3) of the Freedom of Information Act (things a public authority is not required to do)

Section 11(3)(b) of the Freedom of Information Act (requirement to create or derive information)


Horse Tram Risk Assessment

Summary: A request was made for risk assessments and correspondence regarding horse trams on the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway, specifically concerning conflicts with oncoming traffic. The Department of Infrastructure released some internal emails and risk assessment criteria, noting that the risk of oncoming vehicles was considered and mitigated through horse selection and training.

The request focused on risks of horse-drawn vehicles running in conflict with oncoming traffic on a single line.

An Inspector of Health and Safety raised concerns in May 2019 about vehicles overtaking and potentially spooking horses.

The Department of Infrastructure confirmed the risk was considered and stated horses were selected for their confidence in traffic.

Horses received training on the track prior to passenger service to adapt to conditions.

Risk assessment criteria included surface conditions, turning facilities, adjacent activity, and horse suitability.


Hedge and verge trimming on A5 between Cooil roundabout and Ballasalla

Summary: The requester asked for risk assessments and method statements regarding hedge trimming on the A5 to ensure minimal cutting and protection of wildlife. The Department of Infrastructure responded by providing the 'Manx Hedgerow Management Code of Best Practice' which outlines the rules for cutting dates and wildlife protection.

The response included the Manx Hedgerow Management Code of Best Practice published by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.

Permitted hedge cutting dates are between September 1st and the end of February.

It is an offence under the Wildlife Act 1990 to damage or disturb the nest of any nesting bird.

Farmers can apply to DEFA to cut hedges outside permitted dates for operational reasons like harvest windows or wet ground.

The Code distinguishes between hedgerows, hedgebanks, and Manx sod hedges.

1st of September
end of February
January/February
1990
September 2009
January 2010
September 2012
17th May
2019-05-28
2019-06-18
13 pages
2 documents


PA19/00462/B

Summary: A request was made for all recorded contacts between the DEFA Planning Department and Manx Utilities Authority regarding planning application PA19/00462/B between May 17 and May 24, 2019. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture confirmed that all requested information was sent to the applicant.

The request was received on 29 May 2019 and responded to on 31 May 2019.

The authority confirmed that all information recorded in any form relating to the contacts was sent.

The request specifically covered the period from 17 May 2019 to 24 May 2019.

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

The case reference number for future communications is 843665.


Pension Fund Investment

Summary: The request sought figures on Pension Fund investments in commodities and fossil fuel companies, which were fully disclosed by the Treasury. The response provided specific monetary values and portfolio percentages for these asset classes as of March 2019.

The Treasury interpreted 'Pension Funds' as the Public Service Employees Pension Reserve and the National Insurance Investment Account.

As of 31 March 2019, direct investment in fossil fuel companies was £42,973,044, representing 4.29% of the portfolio.

Investment in commodities (defined as precious metals and mining) was £19,365,379, representing 1.93% of the portfolio.

The total value of the Pension Funds investment portfolio was £1,002,788,600 as of 31 March 2019.

The request was received on 31 May 2019 and the outcome was communicated on 6 June 2019.


Statutory Boards - Lay Board Members Pay

Summary: The requester asked for current pay rates for lay board members of Statutory Boards and when they were last changed. The Attorney General's Chambers disclosed that rates are defined by the Statutory Boards (Annual Sums) Order 2015, which came into operation on 1 November 2015, and provided a copy of the document.

Pay for lay board members is defined and agreed by Tynwald.

The relevant legislation is the Statutory Boards (Annual Sums) Order 2015 (SD2015/0268).

The Order was approved by Tynwald on 21 October 2015.

The Order came into operation on 1 November 2015.

The Treasury is responsible for reviewing prevailing rates from time to time.


Gas Usage

Summary: The requester asked for ten years of natural gas usage and cost figures for both the Manx Utilities Authority and the Isle of Man. The authority responded by providing a detailed table covering financial years 2009-10 to 2018-19, disclosing total purchases, sales, and specific internal usage costs.

The request was clarified to include data for both Manx Utilities and the entire Island.

Data covers ten financial years from 2009-10 to 2018-19.

Gas is purchased on behalf of third parties on an agency basis and sold at cost price.

The authority was known as MEA until the end of the 2013-14 financial year.

All requested information was disclosed without exemptions.

2012-13 Total gas purchase: 900,589,719 kWh


Use of Proceeds - Sale of Nunnery

Summary: The requester asked for details on how the Department of Education, Sport and Culture used £5.5m from the sale of the Nunnery and a £500k transitional payment. The Department disclosed that the £5.5m was not held by them but credited to the Consolidated Loans Fund, while the £500k remains unspent within their Capital Programme.

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture does not hold information on the use of the £5.5m sale proceeds.

The £5.5m from the sale of the Nunnery was credited to the Consolidated Loans Fund managed by the Treasury.

The Consolidated Loans Fund is used to progress Government Capital Schemes.

A £500,000 transitional payment was allocated to the Department for moving out of the Nunnery.

The £500,000 transitional payment has not yet been used as the physical move has not happened.


Training Handover to DESC

Summary: The request sought details on the budget and staff numbers transferred from the Department for Enterprise to DESC regarding training services. The authority disclosed that a total budget of £1,795,346 and five staff members were transferred as part of the handover.

Responsibility for training services, skills support, and Apprenticeships was handed from DfE to DESC.

A total budget of £1,795,346 was transferred between the departments.

Five staff members moved from DfE to DESC during the transfer.

The transferred staff included three individuals directly involved in training and two career advisors.

The request was received on 10 June 2019 and closed on 4 July 2019.


Training Handover from DfE

Summary: The request sought details on the budget and staff transferred from the Department for Enterprise to the Department of Education, Sport and Culture for training services, along with spending breakdowns for 2018/2019. The authority disclosed that £1,795,346 and five staff members were transferred, and confirmed the entire budget was spent on specific vocational and skills schemes.

The Training Services team and Careers Service Officers transferred from DfE to DESC.

The total budget handed over was £1,795,346, including staffing costs.

Five staff members moved from DfE to DESC as part of the transfer.

The entire transferred budget was spent in the financial year 2018/19.

Spending covered the Skills Development Scheme, Isle of Man College Fees, General Vocational Training, Vocational Training Assistance Scheme, and staffing costs.


Nunnery Maintenance Costs


UCM Nunnery Contract

Summary: The requester asked for the total cost of using the Nunnery for UCM teaching facilities and the contract end date following its sale. The Department disclosed the total spend to date and the contract end date but stated it did not hold specific capital spend data via GTS, noting that IT infrastructure costs were covered by ICT Limited.

The Department does not hold information regarding capital spend via Government Technology Services (GTS).

IT infrastructure installation costs were met by International Centre of Technology (ICT) Limited before the current lease began.

The current contract details between ICT and UCM are publicly available on Tynwald's website.

As of July 2019, UCM has spent a total of £281,028.49 on the lease, including rental costs.

The request was received on 10 June 2019 and the response was issued on 8 July 2019.

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


KS1 Attainment & Cohort Data 2015-2018

Summary: The request sought Key Stage 1 attainment percentages and cohort sizes for Isle of Man primary schools for academic years 2015-2018. The Department of Education, Sport and Culture disclosed all requested information, providing detailed data tables for 2015 and 2016 covering reading, writing, speaking, mathematics, and science.

The request covered Key Stage 1 attainment data for the academic years ending 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018.

Data was requested for all island primary schools including cohort sizes and percentage attainment at Levels 1, 2, and 3+.

The authority responded with full disclosure of the information, sending 6 pages across 2 documents.

The response included specific breakdowns for subjects: Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening, Mathematics, and Science.

The Local Education Authority (LEA) total cohort for 2015 was 915 pupils.

2015-2018
2019-06-12
2019-07-11
6 pages
2 documents
915 pupils
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3+
Year 2


Road Races Act 2016

Summary: The Isle of Man Constabulary responded to a request for prosecution statistics under Section 14(1) of the Road Races Act 2016, disclosing that 42 individuals have been prosecuted since April 2016 for unauthorized presence or vehicles on closed roads.

Prosecutions under Section 14(1) are tracked via three specific police offence codes, with only two resulting in prosecutions since April 2016.

A total of 42 persons have been prosecuted for offences related to unauthorized persons or vehicles on closed roads between April 2016 and June 2019.

Penalties imposed range from cautions to fines up to £1,500 and potential imprisonment terms of up to 70 days.

The Constabulary partners with other government departments to distribute safety leaflets to visitors during road race events.

Police data does not perfectly match legislative offence descriptions, requiring aggregation of specific codes for reporting.

15 prosecutions for unauthorized persons

27 prosecutions for unauthorized vehicles


Road Races Act 2016

Summary: The requester asked how visitors are informed about the Road Races Act 2016 and whether this information appears on travel documents. The Department for Enterprise disclosed that while they do not specifically publicize the Act, they provide safety guidance, road closure notices, and offence warnings via the TT website, local press, radio, social media, and physical leaflets, but confirmed they hold no information regarding travel booking documents.

The Department does not specifically make visitors aware of the Road Races Act 2016 requirements.

The official TT website provides a spectator charter warning of financial penalties and custodial sentences for non-compliance.

Road closure information is published in local press, race guides, and on the gov.im/roadwatch website.

The Department for Infrastructure distributes leaflets outlining offences for entering closed roads at police stations and the Sea Terminal.

The Department holds no information provided to visitors booking travel to the Isle of Man during the TT.


Mobile Classrooms

Summary: A request was made to the Department of Education, Sport and Culture for the number of mobile classrooms currently in use across the island's primary and secondary schools. The authority responded by disclosing that there are a total of 37 mobile classrooms in use.

The request was received on 13 June 2019.

The response was issued on 10 July 2019.

There are 37 mobile classrooms across the Island's Primary and Secondary Schools.

The authority handling the request is the Department of Education, Sport and Culture.

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


School numbers


Requesting information regarding an informant to the planning control

No information sent - all held but exempt

Summary: The requester asked for the identity of an informant who reported a garage roof issue to planning enforcement, citing potential harassment. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture refused to disclose the information, citing an absolute exemption for personal data under the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

The request was made to the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture regarding a planning enforcement complaint.

The requester suspected a specific individual of harassment and wanted to clear suspicion from others.

The authority confirmed it held the information but refused to release it.

The refusal was based on Section 25 of the Act regarding absolutely exempt personal information.

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

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)


Horse Tram Costs

Summary: The Department of Infrastructure responded to a request for a cost breakdown regarding the £700 loss incurred by the Horse Tram service during the 2019 TT period, disclosing a supplemental costing sheet and explaining operational constraints.

The Horse Tram service was operated during TT 2019 primarily to serve visitors despite promenade disruption.

Operations were limited to off-peak times between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to avoid congestion.

Standing costs such as horse husbandry, feed, and maintenance were excluded from the submitted information.

Revenue from 'on the day' ticket sales in 2018 TT was approximately £10,000 plus prepaid cards.

The service was run as a commitment to tour operators rather than primarily for revenue generation.


Screening of Baggage Hall

Summary: The request sought details on legislation, costs, and income regarding the screening of the Isle of Man airport baggage hall with advertisements. The Department of Infrastructure confirmed there is no specific legislation requiring the screening, costs were covered by the advertiser, and the annual income generated is £10,000.

There is no specific legislation requiring the screening of the baggage hall.

The screening follows best practices and regulatory advice from EASA and the UK CAA.

Advertising artwork, production, and installation costs were paid by the advertising customer.

No additional costs for lighting were incurred due to the advertising.

The annual income derived from the sale of advertising in this area is £10,000.


Impact of Promenade works

Summary: The requester asked for documents detailing steps taken to assess alternative access, parking, and compensation for businesses affected by promenade works. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed all requested information, including a specific statutory order establishing an off-street parking place at Strathallan, Douglas.

The Department of Infrastructure responded that all information was sent.

A 'Strathallan, Douglas (Off-Street) (Parking Place) Order 2019' was issued to provide alternative parking.

The parking order was made on 10 June 2019 and came into operation on 17 June 2019.

The designated parking place allows motor cars and light vans to wait for a maximum of 24 hours.

The response included 59 pages across 3 documents.


Data on child social care

Summary: The requester asked for data on complaints regarding inaccurate social worker reports and related legal actions over the last 24 months. The Department of Health and Social Care disclosed statistics on complaints but refused to provide data on refusals to correct reports, court usage of inaccurate reports, or disciplinary actions, citing that the information was not held or would require creating new data.

There were 11 complaints in the last 24 months regarding reports alleged to be inaccurate, misleading, or unbalanced.

Of the 11 complaints, 3 were concluded as upheld, 1 was partially upheld, 4 were not upheld, and 3 were pending.

The authority refused to answer questions about refusals to correct reports or letters filed proving inaccuracies because it would require creating new information.

The authority stated it does not hold data on how many inaccurate reports were used in court.

The response was issued on 15th July 2019 by the Department of Health and Social Care.

11 complaints
3 upheld
1 partially upheld
4 not upheld
3 pending
24 months
2019-06-21
2019-07-15

Section 8(3) / Section 11(3)(b) - Requirement to create or derive information

Section 11(3)(a) - Information not held or cannot be found after reasonable steps


Education Improvement Service reports - Primary School

Summary: The requester sought the most recent Education Improvement Service reports for Reading, Writing, and Mathematics for ten specific primary schools. The Department of Education, Sport and Culture refused the request, citing that disclosure would inhibit the free and frank provision of advice and prejudice the effective conduct of public business.

The request covered ten primary schools including Ashley Hill, Bunscoill Rhumsaa, and St Mary's RC Primary School.

The Department refused the request under Section 35 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

Disclosure was deemed to risk undermining the teacher-moderated assessment system and the recruitment of moderators.

Redaction was considered but rejected as it would render the reports unreadable or misleading.

The final outcome of the case was 'Not upheld' on 2019-09-03.

Section 35 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Inhibition of free and frank provision of advice and prejudice to effective conduct of public business)


Creg ny Baa and of tt week gatherin

Summary: The request sought incident statistics regarding a gathering at Creg ny Baa from 2015 to 2019 and the legal basis for its cancellation. The Constabulary provided a breakdown of 10 specific incidents and clarified that the event was voluntarily cancelled by organizers due to licensing and safety compliance issues rather than a direct police ban.

Police recorded 10 incidents related to the gathering between 2015 and 2019.

Incidents were filtered to include only those occurring in June and July involving juveniles.

The event was not banned by police but cancelled by organizers following advice on Fire Safety and Music Licensing laws.

The decision was reviewed by a Police Superintendent and aligned with the Event Safety Group process.

The response was issued on 28 June 2019, one day after the request was received.


Waiting times and GPs

Summary: A request was made to the Isle of Man Department of Health and Social Care for data on GP staffing, appointment availability, patient registration, waiting times, and Patient Access app usage. The authority disclosed all requested information, providing detailed breakdowns by practice and specific statistics for the period between March and July 2019.

There were 54 GPs working across 12 NHS practices on the island as of June 27, 2019.

A total of 87,718 patients were registered across all GP practices as of March 31, 2019.

Waiting times for non-emergency appointments varied significantly by practice and month, ranging from 0 to 22 days.

The Department set a target of 20% for practices to attain regarding Patient Access app registration.

Ramsey Group Practice had the highest number of registered patients (14,274) and the highest average weekly appointments (1,036).

No information was withheld; the outcome was 'All information sent'.


Connect Villages

Summary: A request was made for booking statistics and driver employment details regarding the Isle of Man's Connect Villages and ConnectPorts services. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed journey counts, passenger numbers, free pass usage, and staffing arrangements, noting that the ConnectPorts service to the sea terminal had not yet launched.

ConnectVILLAGES recorded 6,697 journeys from its inception in December 2018 to June 2019.

622 passengers booked ConnectPORTS to the airport between October 2018 and June 2019.

ConnectPORTS to the sea terminal had zero bookings as the service had not yet been offered.

The service is operated by 5 regular staff members and 3 zero-hour contract drivers.

3,515 free bus passes were used on the ConnectVILLAGES service during the reporting period.


Bus parking

Summary: The request asked for the Road Transport Licensing Committee's rules regarding overnight bus parking. The authority disclosed that all public passenger vehicles must be parked at registered operating centres as defined by the Road Transport Act 2001.

Buses and all public passenger vehicles must be parked at their operating centres when not in use.

An operating centre is legally defined as the base or centre where a vehicle is normally kept.

Operators must have their parking locations specified in the register of passenger vehicle operators or on their operator's licence.

Failure to park vehicles at a specified operating centre is an offence under the Road Transport Act 2001.

Operators must submit an application to the RTLC to have a location added to their registration or licence as an operating centre.


Household occupancy data

Summary: The requester asked for 2018 and 2019 summary statistics on household vacancy reasons from the voters register canvas, broken down by local authority. The Cabinet Office disclosed the 2019 data broken down by local authority and polling district but did not explicitly provide the 2018 data in the response.

The request was received on 2019-06-26 and the outcome was 'All information sent' on 2019-07-09.

The data provided covers the 2019 annual canvas for the voters register.

Statistics are broken down by Local Authority and polling district.

The data includes reasons for vacancy such as business premises, renovation, unoccupied, foreign nationals, holiday homes, and short lets.

The response includes a total of 7 pages and 1 document.


Expenses from travel to Scotland from 27/02/2019 to 01/03/2019

Summary: A request was made for expense claims regarding a Tynwald study visit to the Scottish Parliament in February and March 2019, and the Office of the Clerk of Tynwald disclosed all information including travel, accommodation, and other costs.

The request covered expenses for six Members of Tynwald traveling to Scotland for a study visit.

All requested information was released with no exemptions applied.

The total cost for the trip was £3,182.75, covering travel, accommodation, and meals.

Two members (KS and TAH) extended their stay and reimbursed the office for the difference in flight costs.

Receipts for 'other expenses' included non-Tynwald members, resulting in higher values than the individual claims listed.


Wildlife killed at the airport

Summary: The request sought details on wildlife culling at the Isle of Man Airport, including species, methods, and relocation figures for the last three years. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed that culling is a regulatory requirement for aviation safety, involving shooting and trapping, with no veterinary involvement or relocation of animals.

Wildlife hazard management is a regulatory requirement by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to safely operate the airfield.

Culling methods include shooting with shotguns or air rifles and trapping in ladder traps followed by humane culling.

No veterinarian is involved in the culling process, as there is no requirement on the Island or in the UK for one to be present.

Staff involved in culling undergo competency training at a local shooting range for target proficiency and safe firearm handling.

Trapped birds are not relocated to other areas; they are either released or culled under DEFA licences.

Figures provided for 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 to date

Birds weighing 1 kilogram or heavier can cause an airfield to be classed as 'dangerous'

Reports to DEFA must be submitted every 6 months


Waiting list and patients not sleeping on wards in the last 6 weeks


Armed Forces Day Committee Minutes

Summary: A request was made for the minutes of the Isle of Man Armed Forces Day Committee for the past two years. The Cabinet Office released some information but withheld specific details citing exemptions for personal data.

The request was received on 2 July 2019 and responded to on 29 July 2019.

The authority handling the request was the Cabinet Office.

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

The exemption applied under section 25(b)(i)&(ii) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

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

2 July 2019
29 July 2019
2 years
871165
section 25(b)(i)&(ii)
Article 5
Article 6
2018

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

Data Protection (Application of GDPR) Order 2018

Article 5 of the General Data Protection Regulation


Vat on planes

Summary: A request was made for a report from Her Majesty's Treasury regarding VAT on planes and whether the practice continues. The Cabinet Office responded that the information is not held as the report is still awaited from the UK Treasury.

The request was received on 2 July 2019.

The Cabinet Office does not hold the requested report.

The report is currently awaited from Her Majesty's Treasury in the United Kingdom.

The request was closed on the date of the response.


Chief Minister trip to Australia

Summary: A request was made for details regarding the cost and logistics of the Chief Minister's trip to Australia for the Commonwealth Games. The Cabinet Office responded that no government funds were used as the trip was a personal family holiday paid for entirely by the Chief Minister.

The Cabinet Office does not hold the requested information regarding government costs.

There was no cost to the Government for the Chief Minister's trip to Australia.

The trip was classified as a family holiday rather than an official government business trip.

All expenses, including flights and accommodation, were paid personally by the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister attended some events in his official capacity during the personal holiday.


Prom cones and signage

Summary: A request was made to the Department of Infrastructure for the cost of coning and signage related to the Douglas Promenade repairs. The authority disclosed that the total cost for the ongoing traffic management resource, including these items, was £355,988.26.

The request concerned the cost of coning and signage for the Douglas Promenade repair.

The Department of Infrastructure responded that all information was sent.

The cost covers an ongoing traffic management resource.

The request was received on 3 July 2019 and concluded on 17 July 2019.

The total disclosed cost is £355,988.26.


Agreed Extensions of 21 day period after planning decision notice.

Summary: The requester asked for statistics on extensions granted to the 21-day appeal period for planning decisions over the last five years. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture responded that no such extensions exist under current statute, meaning no data was available to disclose.

The request covered the last five years regarding extensions to the 21-day planning appeal period.

The authority confirmed there is no legal instrument to extend the 21-day period for lodging an appeal.

Consequently, no extensions have been granted in the specified timeframe.

The response cites Section 8(1) of the Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) (No. 2) Order 2013.

The request was received on 4 July 2019 and closed on 19 July 2019.


Council House Income

Summary: A request was made to determine how many Isle of Man Council House tenants earn over £50,000 annually, but the Department of Infrastructure refused to provide this data as it does not hold current income information for all tenants.

The Department of Infrastructure does not hold current income data for all its tenants, only income levels at the time of application for some.

Tenancy assessments for income eligibility occur prior to awarding a fixed-term tenancy and every five years thereafter.

Older tenancy agreements are not fixed-term, meaning some tenants have not been re-assessed for income since their initial application.

The Department only manages its own properties and cannot provide data for other Housing Authorities on the Island.

The request was refused under the Freedom of Information Act 2015 because a practical refusal reason applies.

Practical refusal reason under Freedom of Information Act 2015 (information not held)


Tynwald guests

Summary: A request was made to the Cabinet Office for details on who paid for and how much was spent on travel, accommodation, food, and transport for Tynwald guests. The authority responded that it does not hold this information because the guests are invited by the Parliament, not the Cabinet Office.

The Cabinet Office does not hold the requested information regarding Tynwald guest expenses.

Tynwald guests are invited by the Parliament, not the Cabinet Office.

The Clerk of Tynwald's Office is identified as the correct authority to contact for this information.

The request was received and closed on the same day, 8 July 2019.


New Education Bill Consultation responses, analysis and weighting

Summary: The requester sought a full Excel summary of New Education Bill consultation responses, including freehand comments, decision-making explanations, and response weighting. The Department of Education, Sport and Culture responded that some information was sent but not all was held.

The request was made on 2019-07-31 regarding the New Education Bill consultation.

The authority is the Department of Education, Sport and Culture.

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

The requester cited Council of Ministers Public engagement and consultation principles from October 2017.


Visit Report Surgical Specialities and Care of People with Cancer 2015

Summary: The requester asked for a breakdown of quality standards met by Nobles Hospital following a 2015 report, but the Department of Health and Social Care only provided an aggregate improvement figure, citing that the specific breakdown would require creating new information.

Nobles Hospital met 52% of quality standards in the 2015 Surgical Specialities and Care of People with Cancer report.

As of January 2019, the hospital met 73% of the associated quality standards, representing a 21 percentage point increase.

The authority refused to provide the requested breakdown per service because the data is not held in that format.

Complying with the request would require the Department to create or derive information, which is not required under the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

A review was completed in January 2019 for submission to Tynwald, but subsequent reporting was conducted at the indicator level only.

Section 8(3) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (things a public authority is not required to do)

Section 11(3)(b) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (creating or deriving information)


Voters canvass 2018 and 2019: forms sent and returned

Summary: The request sought statistics on household enquiry forms sent and responses received for the 2018 and 2019 Isle of Man voters canvass. The Cabinet Office disclosed all requested figures, confirming the number of forms distributed and the total responses for both years.

In 2019, 42,662 household enquiry forms were sent by Electoral Reform Services Limited.

In 2019, 33,164 households responded to the voters canvass through any method.

In 2018, 42,525 household enquiry forms were sent by the Electoral Registration Unit.

In 2018, 30,171 households responded to the voters canvass through any method.

Response rates for paper forms were not publicly available at the time but were scheduled for website publication.


Work Permits - Jacksons Isle of Man

Summary: The requester asked for work permit statistics and approval grounds for Jacksons Isle of Man, as well as data on non-resident workers without permits. The Department for Enterprise disclosed the total and active number of permits issued but stated it does not hold records of specific approval grounds or the number of workers operating without permits.

A total of 54 work permits have been issued to Jacksons Isle of Man.

37 of these work permits are currently active.

17 permits have expired or been cancelled.

The Department does not record the specific grounds for granting work permits in its processing system.

The Department does not hold information on the number of non-resident workers operating without permits.


Students with a special diet

Summary: A request was made to the Department of Education, Sport and Culture for the number of secondary school students with coeliac disease on the Isle of Man for the 2018-19 academic year. The authority disclosed the specific counts for five secondary schools, totaling 17 students.

The request covered full-time secondary school students on the Isle of Man for the 2018-19 academic year.

Information was provided based on cases where schools had been informed of a pupil's coeliac disease.

Ballakermeen High School, Castle Rushen High School, and Ramsey Grammar School each reported 4 students.

St Ninian's High School reported the highest number with 5 students.

Queen Elizabeth II High School reported 0 students with coeliac disease.


DESC Minister's Trips

Summary: The request sought details of all off-Island trips and associated expenses for the Minister of Education, Sport and Culture from September 2016 to August 2019. The authority disclosed a partial list of trips with specific costs for travel, accommodation, and other expenses, noting that daily subsistence allowances were not claimed.

The Minister was appointed on 7 October 2016.

Daily subsistence allowance expenses were not claimed by the Minister.

The most expensive trip disclosed was to Gibraltar in July 2019, costing £1,737.61.

Information was provided for trips to destinations including Lancaster, Guernsey, Edinburgh, London, and Gotland.

The response covered the period from January 2017 to July 2019.


Adult Social Care information request

Summary: A request for information on Adult Social Care supported living providers, waiting lists, service models, and budgets was partially fulfilled by the Department of Health and Social Care. The authority disclosed details on provider numbers and service structures but stated that some requested data, including specific complaint statistics and budget figures, was not held.

Adult Social Care commissions two separate providers for supported living services: one for adults with autism/learning disabilities and one for those with physical/neurological conditions.

There is no explicit waiting list for mental health supported living services; applications are considered by a multi-disciplinary panel.

There is currently no waiting list for learning disability supported living services.

Mental health supported living utilizes self-contained flats within a community setting to support recovery and independent living.

The learning disability service does not prescribe a specific accommodation model, as individuals typically hold independent tenancy agreements.

Information not held or cannot be found after taking reasonable steps


Penalties for Bracken

Summary: The request sought documentation regarding the implementation and specific penalties for Bracken Fern under the Agricultural Development Scheme (ADS) for 2018. The authority disclosed the regulatory history and specific acreage penalties for two businesses but withheld detailed records citing exemptions for research effort, public availability, and commercial interests.

The Countryside Care Scheme was approved by Tynwald on 17 December 2008 and commenced on 1 April 2009.

Standards 17 (Encroachment of unwanted vegetation) and 10 (Undergrazing) specifically relate to Bracken Fern.

In the 2018 scheme year, two businesses received penalties for over-declaring land due to the presence of Bracken.

The total over-declared land affected by Bracken penalties in 2018 was 39.85 acres and 4 acres respectively.

Detailed individual inspection files were withheld as compiling them would require research not mandated by the Act.

17 December 2008
1 April 2009
2018
2 businesses
39.85 acres
4 acres
GC 62/08
GC 61/08
GC 64/08

Section 8(3) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (research or analysis not required)

Section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (information available by other means)

Section 30 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Economy and commercial interests)


Ramsey Marina Proposal &  Port Evolution and Development (Africa) Ltd

Summary: The requester sought correspondence, meeting records, and an initial approach document regarding a proposed Ramsey Marina between Port Evolution and Development (Africa) Ltd and Manx Utilities Authority. The authority confirmed no meetings or correspondence occurred with senior leadership but released a redacted email from May 2018, withholding personal data under absolute exemption.

Manx Utilities Authority holds no correspondence between Port Evolution and Development (Africa) Ltd and its Chairman or CEO.

No meetings were attended by Manx Utilities' Chairman, CEO, or other representatives regarding the proposal.

Consequently, no minutes or records relating to the proposed Ramsey Marina exist within the authority.

An email from May 2018 regarding the approach was located and partially disclosed.

Personal information within the disclosed email was redacted due to data protection laws.

Section 25(2) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (absolutely exempt personal information)


Dept staff employed on full time contracts

Summary: The request sought staff numbers and annual salary costs for full-time, part-time, and zero-hour contracts at the Isle of Man Airport, including the fire service. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed that there are 107 full-time and 6 part-time airport staff with no zero-hour contracts, alongside 31 full-time fire service staff, providing total salary costs of £6.7 million and £1.8 million respectively.

There are 107 full-time and 6 part-time staff employed by the Department at the Airport.

No zero-hour contract staff are employed at the Airport or in the Rescue and Fire Fighting service.

The Rescue and Fire Fighting service employs 31 full-time staff.

The Director of Ports and Ports Business Manager were excluded from counts due to dual roles.

The Rescue & Fire Fighting Services salary cost is included within the total Airport staff salary cost.


Court Generated Complaints

Summary: The request sought statistics on licensing complaints raised by the Clerk to the Licensing Court to the Isle of Man Constabulary since January 2017, including regional breakdowns and the Clerk's remit. The authority disclosed that 24 matters were referred ad hoc, provided a regional breakdown, but stated it could not confirm the Clerk's remit as that information is held by the Courts.

Since January 2017, 24 licensing matters have been referred to the Alcohol Unit by the Licensing Clerk on an ad hoc basis.

There is no formal mechanism for logging complaints directly made to the Alcohol Unit by the Clerk.

The Constabulary received 5 direct complaints regarding noise issues, all associated with premises in Douglas.

Regional breakdown of Clerk referrals includes 10 from the South, 6 from Douglas, and 3 generic to the Isle of Man.

The authority declined to answer whether it is the Clerk's remit to proactively investigate premises, directing the requester to the General Registry/Courts.

Information not held by the public authority

Information held by another body (General Registry/Courts)


Police overtimr

Summary: A request was made for details on overtime payments and pay rates for police officers during the two-week TT period. The Isle of Man Constabulary responded that they do not hold this information and suggested contacting the Office of Human Resources instead.

The requested information regarding police overtime for the TT period is not held by the Constabulary.

The authority suggested contacting the Cabinet Office, Office of Human Resources, Pay Section for the data.

The Pay Section may require clarification on whether the request includes salaries or just overtime.

Payments for the TT period are typically made in the July pay cycle.

The request was formally closed on 22 July 2019.


Evidence of finding of an investiagtion

Summary: The requester asked for a copy of a complaint, findings, and evidence from an investigation against them, but the Department of Home Affairs stated they do not hold this information.

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

The authority suggested contacting the Isle of Man Prison and Probation Service for assistance.

The matter is classified as a personnel issue and is not subject to Freedom of Information.

The requester was advised to submit a Subject Access Request for personal data instead.

Personnel issue not subject to Freedom of Information


Ramsey Marina

Summary: The requester sought details regarding a 2018 internal circular and subsequent comments from DEFA officers concerning a proposed Ramsey Marina. The authority disclosed the specific technical and environmental feedback provided by the Fisheries Directorate and Ecosystem Policy Team, noting the proposal was premature and lacked necessary assessments.

DEFA Fisheries Directorate deemed the Ramsey Marina proposal too early-stage and speculative to allow for a full assessment.

The proposed development site is located within the Conservation Zone of the Ramsey Bay Marine Nature Reserve (MNR).

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required under the Marine Infrastructure Management Act 2016.

The proposal fails to adequately address longshore drift, sedimentation, and potential impacts on commercial fisheries (crab, lobster, scallops).

The Ecosystem Policy Team highlighted risks to the adjacent Ramsey Mooragh Shore ASSI and existing vegetated shingle/dune habitats.


Disclosure of financial payments in relation to these specific fields

Summary: The requester sought agricultural financial payment data for specific fields from 2007 to 2019, but the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture disclosed that no field-by-field records existed prior to 2009 and no payments were made for the requested fields between 2009 and 2018.

No field-by-field payment information is held for 2007 and 2008 as the Agricultural Development Scheme was introduced in 2009.

None of the requested fields were claimed for payments between 2009 and 2018.

The requester had claimed payments for these fields in 2019 under the 'Flat Rate' scheme.

Field number 124133 was not found in records, though field 124134 was claimed.

The 2019 area payment rate is £78.20 per eligible acre for land below the Mountain Line.


Promenade concretr

Summary: The requester asked about the cause, liability, volume, strength, and cost of cracked concrete on a promenade. The Department of Infrastructure responded that the cause is under investigation, liability is undetermined, and replacement costs are undefined, though they provided estimates for volume and concrete strength.

The root cause of the concrete cracking is currently subject to investigation.

Liability for replacement costs will be determined only after the investigation concludes.

If all 40 bays are affected, the volume of concrete is approximately 240 cubic metres.

The concrete designation is 'PAV2' with a minimum strength class of 32-40N/mm2.

Remedial measures and associated costs have not yet been agreed upon.


Douglas Promenade Scheme - Surveying of Douglas Promenade

Summary: The requester asked for reasons and costs regarding re-surveying under the Douglas Promenade carriageway. The Department of Infrastructure clarified that no under-carriageway re-surveying occurred, only standard topographical work, and stated that specific costs are held by the main contractor, not the Department.

The Department of Infrastructure has not carried out re-surveying under the carriageway.

A full topographical survey above ground was undertaken with trial pits to determine ground conditions.

The cost of the surveying work falls to the main contractor under the terms of the contract.

The Department does not hold information on the specific costs as it is not a separate contract item.

The request was received on 22 July 2019 and closed on 13 August 2019.


Confirmation of outstanding/lost Tracked items.

Summary: The requester asked for the number of tracked items scanned in Douglas that were never scanned again due to concerns about lost or stolen mail. The Isle of Man Post Office responded by explaining their scanning procedures, providing delivery statistics for April to June 2019, and stating they could not replicate the reported tracking system error.

The agreement with Royal Mail does not require a doorstep scan for all tracked items.

Tracked items requiring a signature are scanned upon delivery.

The Post Office could not replicate the issue of items disappearing from the tracking system after 48 hours.

Systems developers have been asked to investigate the reported tracking discrepancy.

Most customer queries regarding tracked items relate to delayed deliveries rather than lost items.


Coning and signage

Summary: The requester asked for specific details on the purchase or rental costs of cones and signage for the Douglas Promenade repair. The Department of Infrastructure responded that the equipment was neither owned nor leased by the government, but supplied as part of a larger traffic management tender where individual costs are not separately indicated.

The cones and signage are neither owned nor leased by the Isle of Man Government.

The equipment was supplied as part of a tender for the entire traffic management scheme.

Individual costs for cones and signage are not separately indicated in the tender sum.

The total tender sum for the traffic management resource was £355,988.26.

The response references a previous FOI request (872665) regarding the same project.


Infrastructure/capital projects and due diligence

Request lapsed - requested information not provided

Summary: The requester asked about due diligence procedures for infrastructure subcontractors to ensure they are not under criminal investigation. The Department of Infrastructure responded that it does not conduct due diligence on domestic subcontractors, leaving this responsibility to the main contractor, provided the subcontractors are on the MACCS approved list.

The Department of Infrastructure does not carry out due diligence on domestic sub-contractors.

Due diligence on sub-contractors is the responsibility of the main contractor.

Sub-contractors must be included on the List of Approved Contractors under the Manx Accredited Construction Contractors Scheme (MACCS).

MACCS is operated by the Isle of Man Construction Federation.

The Department may prohibit sub-contractors for contracts involving children or vulnerable people to ensure vetting requirements are met.


Sittings

Summary: A request was made for the annual number of sittings for Tynwald and the House of Keys, but the authority refused to provide the information directly under Section 20 of the Act as it is already reasonably accessible on the Tynwald website.

The information requested is considered reasonably accessible via the Tynwald website under Section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

There are usually 11 sittings of Tynwald per year, including Tynwald Day.

There are approximately 21 sittings of the House of Keys per year.

In the 2018/19 parliamentary year, 20 sittings of the House of Keys were held in Douglas.

Sitting dates are determined by Standing Orders published on the Tynwald website.

11 sittings
21 sittings
20 sittings
2018/19
22 July 2019
07th August 2019
894661

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


DBS Checks

Summary: The request sought details on DBS checks for Department of Education, Sport and Culture (DESC) employees, including numbers, policies, and costs. The authority partially upheld the request, disclosing specific employee counts requiring checks, the relevant recruitment policy, and contact details for HR, while noting that some roles are exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 2001.

DESC employs 2,226 staff, with 2,177 identified as requiring DBS checks based on their roles.

DBS checks are mandatory for teachers, education support staff, youth workers, and lecturers working with children or vulnerable adults.

Roles such as finance and central management are exempt from DBS checks if they do not involve unsupervised access to vulnerable groups.

The Office of Human Resources Recruitment Team is responsible for DBS checks during the recruitment process.

The Isle of Man Vetting Bureau, registered with the Criminal Records Bureau, undertakes the checks.


RGS School Farm

Summary: A request was made for details on the budget, staffing, and student outcomes of the Ramsey Grammar School (RGS) farm. The Department of Education, Sport and Culture disclosed that the farm is self-funded from the school budget, employs two teachers, and provided specific lesson frequencies and exam results for the 2018/19 academic year.

The Rural Science budget for 2018/19 was £1,150, with £621.56 attributable to the Animal Unit.

The farm's budget represents 0.00013% of the total school budget.

Funding comes entirely from the school budget with the aim of the Animal Unit being self-funding.

Two full-time teachers deliver Rural Science, one of whom manages the farm.

Rural Science is taught once a week in KS3 and three times a week in KS4.

£1150
£621.56
0.00013%
2018/19
2 full time teachers
1 lesson per week
3 lessons per week
137 entries (KS3)
13 entries (KS4)
21 achieving level 6+
92 achieving level 5+
132 achieving level 4+
7 Distinction*
2 Distinction
2 Merit
2 Pass


Data breaches

Summary: A request for data breach statistics and details from the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture was made but ultimately lapsed because the requester failed to provide necessary clarifications on the scope of the data.

The request was received on 2019-07-29 and lapsed on 2019-09-23.

The authority questioned the requester's eligibility under the FOI Act 2015 due to lack of proof of Isle of Man residency.

The authority offered to respond under the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information instead.

The request was paused pending clarification on whether to include minor incidents or only those reported to the Information Commissioner.

The requester did not respond to the clarification request within the 4-week deadline.

Requester eligibility under Freedom of Information Act 2015 (non-resident status)


Lead pipes

Summary: The request sought information on the quantity of lead pipes in the Isle of Man water network, the presence of lead in domestic supplies, and replacement plans. The authority disclosed that 1,099 communication pipes are made of lead, no mains are lead, and no traces were found in recent testing, while noting that a full replacement date cannot be predicted.

There are 1,099 communication pipes made of lead in the network, but no water mains are made of lead.

Traces of lead are very rarely found in domestic water supplies.

In 2018/19, 166 random customer samples and 81 Government Analyst samples showed no lead above the detection limit of 5µg/l.

Manx Utilities replaces lead pipes on a customer-requested basis, averaging 170 customers per year.

A corrosion inhibitor is dosed into the water system to prevent lead leaching.


Fire service incidents at Ronaldsway Airport

Summary: A request was made for statistics and details regarding Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service callouts to Ronaldsway Airport over the last five years, including false alarms. The Department of Home Affairs responded by confirming that all requested information was enclosed and sent to the applicant.

The request was received on 29 July 2019.

The response was issued on 20 August 2019.

The authority handling the request was the Department of Home Affairs.

The outcome was that all information was sent to the requester.

The response included copies of the information regarding fire service incidents.

29 July 2019
20 August 2019
903493
last five years
2 pages
1 document


Centralisation of secondary legislation drafting

Summary: The requester sought documents and details regarding the centralisation of secondary legislation drafting agreed by the Council of Ministers in February 2019, including consultation records and implementation plans. The provided response text is incomplete and cuts off mid-sentence, preventing a determination of what information was actually disclosed or withheld.

The Council of Ministers agreed to centralise secondary legislation drafting in February 2019.

The decision was made following an earlier agreement by the Chief Officers' Group.

The stated aims of centralisation were to enhance resources, improve resilience, and develop expertise.

The FOI request was received by the Cabinet Office on 29 July 2019.

The response letter provided in the text is truncated and does not contain the final outcome or disclosed information.


Lead related illnesses

Summary: A request was made for the number of people treated for lead poisoning in the Isle of Man over the last five years. The Department of Health and Social Care disclosed that two patients were treated for this condition at Nobles Hospital during that period.

The request covered a five-year period ending in 2019.

Two patients were treated for lead poisoning at Nobles Hospital.

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

No other medical treatment centres reported cases of lead poisoning in the specified timeframe.

The request was formally closed on 22 August 2019.

2 patients
five years
29 July 2019
22 August 2019
904593


Recent increase in registry fees on property transactions

Summary: A request for Treasury papers regarding recent increases in Isle of Man land registry fees was partially fulfilled, disclosing a confidential proposal to restructure fees to support first-time buyers while maintaining revenue neutrality.

The Treasury proposed three options to restructure land registry fees to align with other jurisdictions and assist low-to-middle income buyers.

Current fees have remained static for five years despite rising administrative costs, making the Isle of Man out of step with other jurisdictions.

All three proposed options include a minimum fee of £150 for properties up to £190k and exempt the first £190k of purchase price from percentage-based fees.

Option A was designed to be revenue neutral, whereas Option B would generate a large revenue contribution of approximately £4.2m in 2017-18.

The proposal aimed to include changes within the 2019-20 financial year budget.


Mental Health Unit


Licence to research and develop Medical Cannabis

Summary: The requester asked for the procedure to apply for a medical cannabis research licence under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1976. The Department of Health and Social Care responded that no specific local procedure currently exists, as they are still assessing how to introduce a regulatory regime following recent consultations.

Cultivating cannabis is an offence under section 6(1) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1976 unless licensed.

The Department has applied the UK Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 to the Isle of Man via the Misuse of Drugs (Miscellaneous Enactments) (Application) Order 2013.

The Department has not yet exercised its power under section 7(1)(b) to make specific regulations for cannabis cultivation.

Consultations were held earlier in 2019 regarding industrial hemp production and medicinal cannabis prescribing.

The Department is currently assessing how to introduce an appropriate regulatory regime for medicinal cannabis cultivation.


RAF use of Ronaldsway

Summary: The requester asked for a written agreement between the Isle of Man Government and the RAF regarding Ronaldsway Airport training, as well as annual payment figures since 2011. The Department of Infrastructure confirmed no specific written agreement exists and refused to provide financial data due to the excessive burden of staff time required to compile it.

The Department of Infrastructure does not hold a written agreement with the Royal Air Force for the use of Ronaldsway Airport.

Ronaldsway Airport is licensed for public use and accepts all aircraft types, including military, on equal terms without individual agreements.

The request for financial data since 2011 was refused because compiling it would create a significant burden on the Department.

Extrapolating data for one year would require checking approximately 25,000 individual take-offs and landings.

The total estimated work required to fulfill the eight-year data request is around 10,000 hours.

Significant burden on the Department in terms of staff time and expense


Cancer treatment ' transfer off island

Summary: The request sought the policy on free transfer trips for cancer patients treated off the Isle of Man. The authority disclosed that patients are normally funded for one return visit home every two weeks, with individual consideration for more frequent trips.

Patients requiring extended treatment in the UK are normally funded for one return visit to the Island every 2 weeks.

If a patient does not wish to return home, a friend or relative may be funded to visit the patient in the UK every 2 weeks.

Funding for visitor trips includes one return journey and accommodation costs for up to 2 nights per visit.

Requests for journeys at intervals more frequent than every 2 weeks are assessed on an individual basis.

The policy details are published on the Department of Health and Social Care website.


Field boundary inspections

Summary: The requester asked for all documentation regarding field boundary inspections for Mount Karrin Farm, specifically concerning a dispute with the Cleaters. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture responded by releasing all requested information via attached documents.

The request was received on 2019-08-05 and responded to on 2019-09-05.

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

The outcome was that all information was sent to the requester.

The request focused on IOM Country Care Field Officers' checks of field boundaries.

The response included attached copies of the released information.


Absence Prison

Summary: The requester asked for prison absence days and heating/hot water costs, but the Department of Home Affairs closed this request as a repeated submission in favor of a subsequent request (917123). No specific data was disclosed in this response as the matter was marked for withdrawal.

The request was received on 2019-08-05 and closed on 2019-08-20.

The authority handling the request is the Department of Home Affairs.

The request was classified as a 'Repeated request'.

A separate FOI Request (917123) was received and will be used to respond to the inquiry.

The original request (914721) was closed without providing the requested data.


Payments  made

Summary: The requester asked for total payments to farmers and the highest payments to the top three farmers over the last 12 months. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture refused to answer, citing that the request was substantially similar to one made in May 2019 and no reasonable interval had elapsed.

The request was received on 2019-08-05 and refused on 2019-08-06.

The authority determined the request was a repeated one under section 11(3)(e) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

A previous request on 2019-05-12 regarding the countryside scheme had already provided monetary amounts.

Names of farmers in the previous request were withheld under section 25 as personal information.

The department is not obliged to supply substantially similar information again if a reasonable interval has not passed.

Section 11(3)(e) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Repeated requests)

Section 25 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Personal information)


Ian Paisley Jnr MP (North Antrim) and the Isle of Man TT

Summary: The requester sought correspondence, ticket/hospitality records, and meeting details involving Ian Paisley Jnr MP and the Isle of Man Department for Enterprise regarding the TT. The authority disclosed held correspondence, confirmed no tickets or hospitality were provided, and listed a single meeting in Belfast.

The Department confirmed it has not provided tickets or hospitality to Ian Paisley Jnr MP between 2011 and 2019.

Only one meeting occurred between Department officials and Ian Paisley Jnr MP during the requested period.

The meeting took place on 11th April 2018 at the offices of Tourism NI in Belfast.

The meeting was part of the Northern Ireland Motorsports Taskforce.

Some personal mobile telephone numbers and signatures were redacted from the released correspondence.


Promenade

Summary: A request was made regarding delays, contract extensions, and expenditure for the Promenade project, to which the Department of Infrastructure disclosed reasons for the delay, clarified the NEC4 contract mechanism, and provided specific financial figures.

The project is 9 weeks behind schedule due to unforeseen underground services and additional instructed utility work.

The contract is an NEC4 form which does not allow contractors to make formal 'applications' to extend the contract.

The Project Manager issues Instructions and Compensation Events to manage additional works and potential completion date revisions.

Actual construction expenditure as of the end of July was significantly lower than the forecasted amount.

The Department of Infrastructure confirmed all requested information was sent.


Weekly kill rate

Summary: A request for weekly livestock kill rates, export inspection details, mortality statistics, and transport locations was made to the Isle of Man Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture. The authority withheld information on kill rates and transport locations citing commercial and safety exemptions, while stating that data on inspections and mortality was not held.

Information on weekly cattle, sheep, lamb, and pig kill rates was withheld to protect the commercial interests of Isle of Man Meats.

The authority confirmed it does not hold data on whether every export wagon is inspected by a vet.

The authority confirmed it does not hold data on the number of animals found dead upon unloading over the last 12 months.

Transport locations were withheld under a health and safety exemption to prevent endangering individuals involved in UK livestock transport.

The public interest test concluded that maintaining the exemptions outweighed the benefits of disclosure for all withheld items.

Section 30(2)(b) - Commercial interests
Section 30(1)(a) - Commercial interests
Section 36 - Health and safety


Prison officers absence

Summary: A request was made for the total days of prisoner absence from work and the formula used for compensation, but the Department of Home Affairs responded that this information is not held.

The request was received on 2019-08-06 and responded to on 2019-08-20.

The authority stated the information is not recorded or held by the Prison.

The response was issued by the Chief Executive's Office of the Department of Home Affairs.

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


Prom concdetr

Summary: A request was made to the Department of Infrastructure regarding the conclusions of an investigation into defective concrete. The authority responded that the investigation is still ongoing and no definitive answer is currently available.

The investigation into cracking in some concrete is still ongoing.

No definitive conclusion on the defective concrete is currently available.

The request was received on 12 August 2019.

The response was issued on 13 August 2019.


Food

Summary: A request was made to the Department of Health and Social Care regarding a daily meal allowance for patients at Noble's Hospital. The authority responded that no such monetary allowance exists, as dietary needs are managed individually rather than through a fixed per-patient budget.

The Department of Health and Social Care does not hold information on a daily meal allowance for Noble's Hospital patients.

There is no monetary allowance allocated to individual patients for meals.

Patient nutrition is managed by considering individual dietary needs to ensure appropriate intake.

The request was received on 12 August 2019 and closed on 9 September 2019.

The response cites section 11(3)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015.


Food

Summary: The requester asked for the daily prison meal allowance per inmate in the Isle of Man. The Department of Home Affairs disclosed that while there is an annual budget for foodstuffs, the average cost per prisoner per day is £4.20.

The request was received on 12 August 2019 and responded to on 20 August 2019.

There is an annual budget for all foodstuffs relating to prisoners.

The average cost for meals per prisoner per day is £4.20.


Alleged Breach of Planning Control (Ref 19/00004/COU)

Summary: A request was made to identify the person or persons who lodged a complaint regarding an alleged breach of planning control (Ref 19/00004/COU). The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture refused to disclose the information, citing that it constitutes absolutely exempt personal data.

The request concerned an alleged breach of planning control with reference number 19/00004/COU.

The authority responded that no information was sent as all held data was exempt.

The exemption was based on section 25(2) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 regarding personal information.

The response was issued on 19th August 2019, six days after the request was received.

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

Section 25(2) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Absolutely exempt personal information)

Incompatibility with the second data protection principle


Education fee increases at UCM

Summary: A request was made for meeting notes, calculations, and rationale regarding 2019 tuition fee increases at University College Isle of Man (UCM). The Department of Education, Sport and Culture released fee policy documents and board meeting extracts but withheld specific personal data under absolute exemption.

The standard procedure for UCM fee updates is to apply an uplift based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Some requested information was withheld as it constituted absolutely exempt personal data under section 25(2)(a) and (b)(i) of the Act.

Board of Governors meeting extracts from March 28, 2019, discuss fee competitiveness and comparisons with Chester fees.

The Non-resident fee for Higher Education was agreed to remain at £9,250.00 and not be increased as originally proposed.

An email from Geoff Moorcroft confirms the fee increase was based on a 2.5% CPI reflection.

Section 25 (2) (a) and (b) (i) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Absolutely exempt personal information)

Data Protection Act 2002 (Contravention of data protection principles)


Douglas Promenade Scheme extras bills

Summary: The requester asked for a breakdown of extra costs incurred and future costs for the Douglas Promenade Scheme, along with approval limits. The Department of Infrastructure responded that no extra costs have been incurred to date, the project is within budget, and future utility costs will be borne by Manx Utilities.

No extra costs have been incurred on the Douglas Promenade construction to date.

The scheme is currently on target to be delivered within the Tynwald approved budget.

Additional water main requirements for Manx Utilities are expected but final costs are not yet finalized.

The additional costs for water mains will be borne by Manx Utilities and are not included in the Tynwald approved costs.

There is no set limit on extra costs; sign-off authority depends on the amount and ranges from Project Manager to Chief Executive.


Bus Vannin driver's pay.

Summary: A request was made to identify the highest hourly rate paid to any person driving a bus for Bus Vannin in 2019. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed that the highest paid driver was the Chief Executive Officer, who drives occasionally without extra pay, resulting in a calculated hourly rate of £36.68 compared to a maximum of £20.03 for contracted drivers.

The highest paid person driving a bus for Bus Vannin in 2019 was the Department of Infrastructure's Chief Executive Officer.

The CEO does not receive additional pay, overtime, or allowances for driving duties as it is part of his substantive role.

The CEO's calculated hourly rate, including an average of 7 hours 24 minutes of driving per week, is £36.68.

For comparison, a contracted bus driver could earn a maximum of £20.03 per hour depending on the contract and date worked.

The CEO drives buses only when requested over weekends due to temporary shortages of drivers.


Profit and Loss statement for nobes hospital staff canteen "Thie Bee"

Summary: The requester asked for three years of internal accounts for the Nobles Hospital staff canteen 'Thie Bee', broken down by expenditure and revenue. The Department of Health and Social Care provided the financial figures but noted that direct year-on-year comparisons are difficult due to changes in accounting practices and the inclusion of shared costs with other facilities.

The response covers financial data for the years 2016/17, 2017/18, and 2018/19.

Accounting records vary by year, making isolated comparisons inaccurate without context.

In 2016/17, employee costs included significant school catering staff expenses.

In 2018/19, the service was renamed the Hospital Catering Service and costs were shared with the foyer coffee shop.

A revised chart of accounts was being created to improve future financial reporting.


Policy and guidelines towards use of departmental resources

Summary: A requester asked the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture for policies on political party use of departmental resources, along with lists of web domains and social media accounts. The request lapsed without any information being provided because the requester failed to respond to clarification emails from the authority.

The request was made on 15 August 2019 regarding the use of taxpayer-funded resources by political parties.

The authority sent a follow-up email on 28 August 2019 seeking clarification or assistance.

A final notice was sent on 11 September 2019 stating the request would close if no response was received by 25 September.

The request officially lapsed on 3 October 2019 with no information disclosed.

The requester was an Isle of Man resident seeking electronic copies of documents.


Request for Road Traffic accident statistics

Summary: A request was made for road traffic accident statistics at the junction of Hawarden Avenue and Westbourne Drive in Douglas over the last five years. The Isle of Man Constabulary disclosed that five reportable collisions occurred within 50 meters of the junction during this period.

Five reportable road traffic collisions were recorded within 50 meters of the specified junction in the last five years.

All five recorded collisions resulted in damage only with no injuries reported.

The data covers the period from May 2015 to July 2016.

The most common cause classification involved moving off carelessly or failing to comply with traffic signs.

The request was processed and fulfilled on the same day it was received, 15 August 2019.


Horse Tram & Road Traffic Collisions

Summary: A request was made for data on collisions between road traffic and horse trams on Douglas Promenade from 2016 to 2019. The Isle of Man Constabulary disclosed details of five specific incidents, noting that all were damage-only with no injuries recorded.

Five total incidents involving horse trams and road traffic were identified between 2016 and 2019.

Three incidents were formally recorded as Road Traffic Collisions (RTCs), while two were identified from police records as non-reportable RTCs.

All identified collisions resulted in damage only, with no injuries recorded.

No collisions were recorded in 2016 or 2019 (to date).

The most common causes cited were improper overtaking, misjudging clearance, and entering a major road without due care.


BREXIT - No Deal preparations

Summary: A request was made for comprehensive documents regarding the Isle of Man's 'No Deal' Brexit preparations, including meeting minutes, impact assessments, and specific policy details on healthcare and trade. The Cabinet Office responded by releasing some information, specifically a Council of Ministers paper from August 2018, while withholding other requested materials under exemptions.

The request was submitted on 2019-09-09 and the outcome was determined on 2019-10-04.

The authority handling the request was the Cabinet Office.

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

A disclosed document is Council of Ministers Paper No. 18/221 titled 'Brexit, Secondary Legislation Update'.

The request covered sensitive topics including civil unrest preparations, NHS privatisation, and food standards.

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


The Best Little Prison in Britain TV programme

Summary: The requester asked for all documents related to the ITV programme 'The Best Little Prison in Britain', including meeting notes, contracts, and correspondence. The Department of Home Affairs provided some enclosed information but refused to supply the majority of the requested documents because they are already reasonably accessible via the Tynwald website and Hansard.

The request was received on 11 September 2019 and responded to on 24 October 2019.

The authority handling the request was the Department of Home Affairs.

The refusal to provide most documents was based on the information being publicly available on the Tynwald website and Hansard.

The request specifically targeted documents regarding the ITV programme 'The Best Little Prison in Britain'.


Cost of questions

Summary: The requester asked for the cost in civil servant time to answer 132 questions on the August 2019 Tynwald Question Paper. The Cabinet Office responded that this specific information is not held as they do not record time taken for individual questions across all departments.

The Cabinet Office does not hold data on the time taken or cost incurred by every department to answer the August 2019 Tynwald Questions.

No records exist of the time taken by officers to answer the specific 132 questions requested.

A 2013/14 exercise estimated the average cost to answer a parliamentary question at £71.

The response noted significant variation in the time needed to answer individual questions.

The request was closed on 23 August 2019 with an outcome of 'Information not held'.


Hospital beds

Summary: A request was made for details regarding the replacement of 265 hospital beds, including costs, reports, disposal, and staff expenses. The Department of Health and Social Care disclosed the purchase cost and disposal details but could not provide the recommendation report or staff costs as they were not held.

The total purchase cost for 265 new beds was £314,295.52 (ex-vat).

The Department does not hold a copy of the report recommending the bed replacement.

Old beds were disposed of by the manufacturer with no income received by the Department.

Staff costs for the replacement project were not separately captured and are unavailable.

Approval to purchase the new beds was granted in March 2019.

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


Manx Utilities replacement of manually read electricity metres

Summary: The requester asked for details on the contract to replace manually read electricity meters, including the supplier, value, and tender process. Manx Utilities disclosed that no supply contract has been signed yet, but confirmed a 2018 agreement with Trilliant for the communication network and listed five companies that responded to the tender for that system.

Manx Utilities has not yet entered into a contract for the supply of advanced/smart meters.

A contract was signed with Trilliant in late 2018 for a dedicated low power Radio Frequency Network.

The network is designed to provide island-wide connectivity to 50,000 customer premises.

Data will be transmitted securely to the Isle of Man Government's hosted data centres.

Five companies submitted proposals for the communications system: Arqiva, L&G, Iskrameco, Trilliant, and Itron.


building purchase

Summary: The requester asked for the number and cost of buildings purchased and demolished by the Isle of Man Treasury in the last ten years. The Treasury confirmed that no such buildings were purchased and demolished during the specified period, resulting in a cost of £0.

The Treasury did not purchase any buildings and subsequently demolish them in the last ten years.

The cost of such activities is confirmed as £0.

The response covers the period from 21 August 2009 to the date of the letter (1 October 2019).

The request was limited to purchases made directly by the Treasury, excluding other departments using the Land and Property Acquisition Reserve.

The request was received on 21 August 2019 and closed on 1 October 2019.


Bus Vannin

Summary: The requester asked for Bus Vannin's punctuality targets, on-time performance statistics, and complaint data for the last twelve months. The Department of Infrastructure provided a monthly breakdown of complaints and feedback types but did not disclose the specific punctuality targets or on-time performance statistics requested.

The request was received on 2019-08-23 and the outcome was declared 'All information sent' on 2019-09-19.

The response includes detailed monthly complaint data from July 2018 to June 2019.

A total of 348 complaints were recorded across the twelve-month period.

The majority of complaints were categorized under 'Bus' operational services.

The response does not contain the specific punctuality targets or on-time performance percentages requested by the applicant.


Primary Headteachers salary

Summary: A request was made for the salary and pension scales of primary headteachers, but no information was sent as the data was deemed reasonably accessible via public web links.

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

The refusal was based on Section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 regarding information already reasonably accessible.

Headteacher salary scales are aligned with pay ranges in England and Wales.

The salary information provided was from 2018 and pending a 2019 update.

Pension contribution rates are available in the Teachers' Superannuation document.


River Water Quality

Summary: A request for river water quality testing reports from the last 12 months was refused by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture. The authority cited that the 2018 report is being drafted for future publication and the 2019 data is incomplete, making disclosure exempt under Section 41 of the Act.

The 2018 river water quality report is currently being drafted with an aim to publish around October 2019.

The 2019 river water quality information is not yet complete.

The Department is not required to create new information from held data under Section 8(3) of the Act.

A previously published report for 2015-16 is available on the government website.

The public interest test determined that withholding the information outweighed the factors for disclosure at this time.

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

Section 8(3) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (No requirement to create information)


Operation Yellowhammer

Summary: A request was made for all Isle of Man Government documents and meeting notes regarding 'Operation Yellowhammer' (No-deal Brexit contingency planning), but no information was disclosed as it was deemed exempt.

The request was received on 2019-08-27 and the response was issued on 2019-10-07.

The Cabinet Office determined that some information is qualified exempt under Section 29 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

Disclosure was refused because it would prejudice international relations between the Isle of Man and the United Kingdom.

The UK Government has stressed that the information provided to the Isle of Man is confidential and not in the public domain.

The public interest test concluded that withholding information is necessary to maintain the UK's willingness to share sensitive data in the future.

Section 20: Information accessible by other means


Obelisks

Summary: The request sought all documents regarding the proposed erection of Obelisks at Port Jack Headland and other sites by the Department for Enterprise. The authority disclosed four specific attachments including departmental papers, email exchanges, an engineering report, and a letter from Onchan Commissioners, while noting that phone transcriptions were unavailable.

The request was received on 2019-08-27 and responded to on 2019-09-23.

Four documents were released: a departmental paper, email exchanges, an engineering report, and a letter from Onchan Commissioners.

The Department for Enterprise does not hold phone transcriptions as they do not operate recorded telephone lines.

The proposed Obelisks are located at Port Jack Headland above Port Jack beach in Onchan.


Applications for permanent residency

Summary: The request sought documents regarding the impact of No Deal Brexit and permanent residency applications on the Isle of Man's net migration, skilled workforce, and population growth. The Cabinet Office disclosed two documents totaling 18 pages, though the majority of the content within the provided text is redacted.

The response included a confidential National Strategy Group paper from 2018.

The document acknowledges that the Isle of Man operates a work permit system but still has relatively free movement of EU citizens.

EU migration is identified as important for the labour market, particularly in lower-skilled and entry-level occupations.

The paper references Bank of England forecasts suggesting a reversal of net migration trends with EU workers leaving in large numbers.

The UK is noted as likely to struggle filling vacancies in sectors like agriculture and hospitality that rely on EU labour.

145,000 EU nationals emigrated in the year leading up to September 2018

15,000 more people from EU8 countries departed the UK than immigrated

Nearly half of all highly skilled EU workers could leave Britain before 2022


Return of expats and EU nationals to the Isle of Man

Summary: The requester asked for documents regarding the return of expats and EU nationals to the Isle of Man post-Brexit and their impact on infrastructure and health services. The Cabinet Office responded that no such information is held because the Immigration Service does not track British citizens returning from the EU, as they are not under immigration control.

The Cabinet Office does not hold the requested information regarding the return of expats and EU nationals.

The Immigration Service has not conducted work on British or Manx persons living in the EU returning to the Isle of Man.

British citizens are not subject to immigration controls, which is why no data is held on their return.

EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens wishing to return prior to Exit Day could apply to the IOM European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS).

The EUSS has been in operation since 29 March 2019 and aligns with the UK's scheme.

26 August 2019
27 August 2019
9 September 2019
24 September 2019
29 March 2019
5 years
2 years
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Isle of Man offender re-conviction statistics

Summary: The requester asked for recent re-conviction statistics for Isle of Man offenders, the methodology used, and specific details regarding jurisdiction and inclusion criteria. The Department of Home Affairs responded by sending all requested information, including enclosed copies of the statistics and methodology.

The request was received on 2019-08-27 and the response was issued on 2019-10-07.

The authority confirmed that all information requested was sent to the applicant.

The response included copies of the most recent re-conviction statistics and the methodology used for their calculation.

The response addressed specific queries regarding European methodology alignment, jurisdictional scope, and domicile exclusions.

The case was handled by the Department of Home Affairs under reference number 938045.