Housing Affordability Ratio Data

Summary: A requester asked for the underlying data used to calculate housing affordability ratios in the Isle of Man Housing Market Review, covering the period from 1988 to 2018. The Cabinet Office responded by sending all the requested information within one day of receipt.

The request was made to the Cabinet Office regarding the Isle of Man Housing Market Review.

The requester sought data on average and median house prices and earnings.

The data requested covered the years 1988 to 2018.

The authority received the request on 2020-08-31 and responded on 2020-09-01.

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


Requirements for each Level of the Borders Framework

Summary: The requester asked for specific data requirements and decision-making criteria for each level of the Isle of Man's Borders Framework. The Cabinet Office responded that decisions are made by the Council of Ministers based on UK and local infection rates, but did not provide specific numerical thresholds or detailed data requirements.

The Borders Framework is reviewed regularly by the Council of Ministers.

Decisions to move between levels consider current infection rates in the UK and the Isle of Man.

Guideline ranges of infection rates are used to inform decision-making, though specific numbers were not disclosed.

The decision process is described as non-binary and responsive to the rapidly evolving global COVID-19 situation.

Reductions in UK infection rates are viewed as positive indicators for easing border restrictions.


Vitamin D and Covid-19 Test Results

Summary: The applicant requested vitamin D test results for 2018-2020 and data linking vitamin D levels to COVID-19 outcomes. The Department of Health and Social Care initially refused both requests citing excessive work but partially upheld the request for historical vitamin D data during an internal review, while maintaining the refusal for COVID-19 linked data.

The request was made on 2020-09-02 and the internal review outcome was confirmed on 2020-11-02.

Question 1 regarding quarterly vitamin D test results was partially upheld after the applicant noted similar data was released in 2018.

Question 2 regarding vitamin D levels in COVID-19 positive, hospitalized, and deceased patients was refused as it required excessive work to derive the data.

An Independent Officer, Mrs Jane Watney, conducted the internal review.

The Department provided an updated data extract for Question 1 as an exception to assist the applicant.

Section 8(3) - Excessive work to retrieve or derive information

Section 11(3)(b) - Things a public authority is not required to do


Property considered suitable for registration

Summary: The request sought the number of properties with potential for protected building registration by parish and specific dates for Ramsey entries. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture provided counts for most areas but withheld data for sparsely populated parishes to prevent identification of specific buildings, citing prejudice to cultural heritage.

The Department holds a working list of properties proposed for the Register of Protected Buildings.

Data was withheld for parishes with fewer than five proposed buildings to prevent identification.

Ramsey has 47 properties identified as having potential for inclusion on the register.

The exemption is based on the risk that disclosure could lead to demolition or damage before protection is implemented.

The list is a living document where buildings can be added or removed during the assessment process.

Andreas: 9
Arbory: 22
Braddan: 21
Bride: 9
Castletown: 29
Douglas: 32
Laxey: 33
Lezayre: 11
Lonan: 10
Malew: 37
Marown: 6
Maughold: 8
Onchan: 8
Peel: 19
Port Erin: 10
Port St Mary: 20
Ramsey: 47
Rushen: 16
fewer than five buildings
2020-09-02
2020-10-01

Section 37 of the Act (Research and Natural Resources)


Demand responsive travel minibuses

Summary: The Department of Infrastructure responded to a request for details on Bus Vannin's minibus fleet, operational bases, and parking rules by providing a full vehicle list with mileage and service types, a list of stabling locations, and clarification on overnight parking policies.

A spreadsheet was provided listing 60 minibuses with their registration, year, mileage, and CPV (Connect Ports and Villages) status.

The response included a list of 38 operating centres and maintenance locations where minibuses are stabled.

Planning permission for stabling sites is confirmed to be in place where required, as verified by the RTLC.

Minibuses are generally parked at approved locations, with exceptions only made for emergencies at Government premises.

The request was received on 2020-09-04 and the outcome was 'All information sent' on 2020-09-29.


Correspondence relating to plans for Ramsey Quayside & Flood Defences

Summary: A request was made for correspondence regarding flood defence and regeneration plans for Ramsey Quayside between 2017 and 2020. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture responded that they do not hold the information as no planning application has been submitted yet.

The requested information concerns correspondence between the DOI and Planning Department regarding Ramsey harbour flood defences.

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

The project has not yet reached the stage of a planning application submission.

Requesters are advised to contact the Department of Infrastructure for potential initial discussion records.

The request was formally closed on 24th September 2020.


Family Court Statistics

Summary: The Department of Home Affairs responded to a request for Family Court statistics from 2018 to 2020, disclosing data on completed residency disputes, shared care requests, self-representation, and psychological assessments. Several specific queries regarding gender breakdowns of resident parents, legal aid funding details, and advocate performance were refused as the authority does not hold this data.

50 family court disputes over child residency were completed between 01/01/2018 and the date of response.

Only 5 of these cases involved requests for 50/50 shared care, all of which resulted in shared care.

26 cases involved a party self-representing, split between 14 males and 12 females.

The court ordered 2 psychological assessments for males and 0 for females.

Court welfare officers returned requested information on time in 99% of cases.

Information not held by the public authority


Purchase of Triumph

Summary: A request was made for the purchase date and cost of the Triumph building in Onchan, but the Department for Enterprise stated they do not hold the information.

The request was received on 8 September 2020.

The authority is the Department for Enterprise.

The outcome was that the authority is not required to fulfill the request.

The information requested was not held or could not be found after reasonable steps.

The Freedom of Information Act 2015 only applies to information created on or after 11 October 2011.

Information not held or cannot be found after reasonable steps

Information created before 11 October 2011 is outside the scope of the 2015 Act


Charitable Donations

Summary: The request sought annual totals for charitable donations and the number of individuals making them under Deed of Covenant for the last five years. The Treasury provided historical data for 2014/15 to 2018/19 but refused the 2019/20 figures as the tax assessment was still ongoing.

The Treasury does not hold the requested information for the 2019/20 tax year as assessments are ongoing until March/April 2021.

Data for Charitable Deeds of Covenant and Charitable Giving is published annually in the Isle of Man Budget documents.

The number of Charitable Deeds of Covenant claims decreased from 409 in 2014/15 to 286 in 2018/19.

Total amount claimed for Charitable Giving remained relatively stable, ranging between £2.75 million and £2.92 million over the five-year period.

The response cites section 11(3)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 as the reason for partial refusal.

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


Senior Officers in the Fire Service in GUS

Summary: A request was made for statistics regarding Fire Service senior officers' pension contributions, lump sum payments, and monthly pension receipts. The Department of Home Affairs responded that the information is not held by them and suggested contacting the PSPA instead.

The request concerned Fire Service full-time senior officers and members.

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

The authority suggested the PSPA may hold the relevant records.

The request was received on 2020-09-09 and closed on 2020-09-14.


Douglas Tramway

Summary: A request was made for minutes from a July 13, 2020 meeting regarding the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway signals, which were partially disclosed with some content redacted. The released minutes detail discussions on signal detection methods, supplier options, and the separation of crossing and point operation systems.

The meeting was held on Monday, July 13, 2020, via videoconference to review Douglas Bay Horse Tram signals.

Attendees included the Rail Regulator, Department of Infrastructure staff, and representatives from Burroughs Stewart Associates.

Discussions focused on replacing RF transponder options with simplified hand-held remotes or traffic loops due to cost and reliability concerns.

It was decided that tram crossing and point operation/signalling should be two independent systems.

Future actions include identifying a single traffic control supplier for the Castle Mona crossing using ground loop transponders.


Non DESC External Teachers

Department of Education, Sport and Culture

Summary: The request sought details on non-DESC music tutors in primary schools, including specific data on schools, hours, and regulatory frameworks. The authority disclosed that no specific legislation regulates these tutors, provided a list of school policies and quality assurance measures in place, and released enclosed data for the 2018/19 and 2019/20 academic years.

There is no specific provision within the Education Act 2001 to regulate non-DESC music tutors.

Safeguarding responsibility for external tutors lies with the Head Teacher and school staff.

Parents are contacted directly to make decisions regarding attendance and payment for private lessons.

Quality assurances include DBS checks, safeguarding training, and lesson observations by school staff.

The request covered the academic years 2018/19 and 2019/20.

2018/19
2019/20
10 September 2020
8 October 2020
1464673
5 pages
2 documents
Education Act 2001
Freedom of Information Act 2015


Planning consideration

Summary: The requester asked for retail strategy documentation regarding the Crosby Co-Op approval and its impact on Douglas and Peel sectors, but the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture stated it does not hold this specific information.

The authority does not hold the specific retail strategy or policy documentation requested for the Crosby Co-Op.

No specific consideration was made for the Crosby Co-Op approval itself, though the principle retail unit was assessed.

Relevant assessment details are available in the officer's report and independent inspector reports for planning application 15/00775/A.

The public can access the development information via the online planning service at services.gov.im.

Specific sections of the officer's report containing relevant information are 3.5, 10.14, 10.16, 10.17, and 11.4.


Retail concerns

Summary: A request was made for documentation regarding retail research and strategy for the Crosby Coop and its impact on Douglas and Peel. The Department for Enterprise responded that they do not hold the requested information and suggested contacting the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.

The request was received on 10 September 2020.

The outcome was determined as 'Information not held' on 1 October 2020.

The Department for Enterprise does not possess the specific retail research documentation requested.

Applicants were advised to contact the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.


Monies paid to Watling Streetworks Limited by DOI

Summary: A request was made to the Department of Infrastructure for the total amount paid to Watling Streetworks Limited since October 2015. The authority disclosed that £69,160.25 excluding VAT was paid for services across Highway, Public Estates, Housing, and Transport sectors.

The Department of Infrastructure paid Watling Streetworks Limited £69,160.25 excluding VAT.

The payment period covers services provided since 29th October 2015.

The funds were used for Highway Services, Public Estates, Housing, and Transport Services.

The request was received on 10th September 2020 and concluded on 1st October 2020.

All requested information was provided with no exemptions applied.


Tender document for Patient Transfer Service

Summary: A request was made for the Invitation to Tender document for the Patient Transfer Service previously operated by Flybe, but the Department of Health and Social Care refused disclosure citing commercial interests.

The request sought the tender document for patient air transfers from the Isle of Man to Liverpool or Manchester.

The service was originally operated by Flybe before their collapse and was provisionally taken over by Stobart Air.

The Department of Health and Social Care withheld the information because the tender process was still live.

Disclosure was refused under section 30(2)(b) of the Freedom of Information Act to prevent prejudice to commercial interests.

A complaint regarding this refusal was upheld by the Information Commissioner on 2021-03-18.

Section 30(2)(b) - Prejudice to commercial interests


Travel requests

Summary: A request was made to the Department of Home Affairs for statistics on travel requests, exemptions, and border control data for non-residents and residents. The authority responded that it does not hold the requested information and suggested contacting the Cabinet Office instead.

The Department of Home Affairs does not hold the requested information on travel requests and exemptions.

The request was received and responded to on the same day, 14 September 2020.

The authority suggested the requester contact the Cabinet Office for potential assistance.

The response covers multiple data points including travel reasons, countries of residence, and exemption certificates.

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


Information re: transport & supply of seasonal Calf of Man wardens

Summary: A request was made for details on the tendering process and annual costs for transporting seasonal wardens to the Calf of Man. Manx National Heritage disclosed that no recent tender process exists but provided annual payment figures for the last 10 years, including data outside the statutory FOI timeframe.

The transport service for Calf of Man wardens has not undergone a recent tendering process.

The service is currently under review with plans to advertise on the Government procurement portal.

The anticipated contract length for the future tender is 3-5 years.

Financial data for 2010/11 was provided voluntarily as it falls outside the FOI Act's scope.

The Information Commissioner upheld a complaint regarding the authority's initial handling of the request.

Information created before 11 October 2011 does not fall under the scope of the Freedom of Information Act 2015.


Information as regards transgender patients, costs, and healthcare

Summary: A request for data on transgender healthcare services, costs, and patient numbers on the Isle of Man was partially fulfilled, with the Department of Health and Social Care disclosing that no on-island treatment is currently available while citing exemptions for missing data on specific costs and historical records.

No patients are currently receiving treatment for gender dysphoria on the Isle of Man.

Fewer than 12 residents are currently receiving assessments off-island.

Fewer than 6 patients are on the waiting list for the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust.

The Department does not hold information regarding patients who have undergone or are awaiting surgery or endocrinology.

Specific cost data for surgeries, therapy, and assessments could not be provided due to lack of held information.

less than twelve (12)
less than six (6)
2000 through to the year 2020
14th September 2020
9th October 2020

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


Travel Requests

Summary: A request for statistics on non-resident travel to the Isle of Man during partial border reopening was partially fulfilled, with specific counts provided for compassionate and contractual travel requests, while data on reasons, countries of residence, and resident departures was withheld as not held.

499 compassionate travel requests were granted to non-residents.

202 contractual travel requests for people moving to the island were granted.

The Cabinet Office does not hold information on the top 10 reasons for travel or the countries of residence for non-residents.

No exemption certificates were issued to non-residents allowing them to enter without self-isolation.

The decision-making framework for travel requests is available online rather than being provided directly in the response.

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


Mannin

Summary: A request was made for the cost, origin, and delivery status of a boiler for the steam engine Mannin. The Department of Infrastructure responded that no boiler has been ordered yet as the required actions for the engine are still being evaluated.

No boiler has been ordered specifically for the steam engine Mannin.

The Department of Infrastructure is still evaluating what actions are required for the engine.

The request was received on 14 September 2020.

The response was issued on 29 September 2020.


2020 Worldwide Broadband Speed League

Summary: A requester asked for all correspondence and internal documentation regarding the 2020 Worldwide Broadband Speed League, and the Department for Enterprise responded by providing the National Telecommunications Strategy document.

The request was made by Michael Josem, an Isle of Man resident, on 2020-09-14.

The Department for Enterprise responded on 2020-10-09 with the outcome 'All information sent'.

The response included 4 documents totaling 100 pages.

The primary document disclosed is the 'National Telecommunications Strategy' dated October 2018.

The strategy outlines six key themes including National Broadband Plan and Subsea Cables.


Minibuses

Summary: The requester asked for specific spending, purchase numbers, running costs, and income figures for Bus Vannin minibuses since 2016. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed that detailed minibus-specific data is not recorded separately from the wider fleet, but provided aggregate bus sub-division expenditure, specific costs for the myProm shuttle, and approximate new vehicle purchase prices.

Detailed minibus figures cannot be identified separately from the rest of the bus fleet due to mixed duties and internal budget transfers.

Minibuses are used for a range of services including schools, patient transport, Connect Ports, and Connect Villages.

The approximate purchase cost for a new minibus is between £50,000 and £60,000 depending on specification.

Funding for minibus services is largely derived from internal budget transfers rather than commercial invoicing.

Revenue from non-DHSC patients for minibus services was £4,583 between April and December 2019.

Information not held or cannot be found after taking reasonable steps due to lack of detailed recording


Castletown housing review

Summary: The requester asked for the rationale behind prioritizing the Eastern Plan over the Castletown Housing Land Review, details on public consultation, and correspondence between Ministers Cregeen and Moorhouse. The Cabinet Office disclosed that the Castletown review was an evidence base rather than a statutory plan, confirmed that public consultation did occur, and provided one email from Minister Cregeen.

The Castletown Housing Land Review was concluded in December 2017 as an evidence base, not a statutory development plan.

The Area Plan for the East was intended to be a statutory development plan from its preliminary publicity in February 2017.

Public consultation for the Castletown review included a call for sites in October 2015 and further consultation between August and October 2016.

A public event regarding the review was held on 27 September 2016.

Direct email correspondence from Minister Cregeen to Minister Thomas on 11 December 2017 was released.

1472405
2020-09-15
2020-10-06
December 2017
February 2017
October 2015
26 August 2016
7 October 2016
27 September 2016
11 December 2017
3 pages
1 document


COVID-19 isolation breaches

Summary: The Isle of Man Constabulary responded to a request for data on COVID-19 isolation breaches by providing weekly statistics on reported events and the specific actions taken, such as arrests, warnings, or no further action. The authority clarified that not all initial reports resulted in confirmed breaches and detailed that four cases proceeded to court, with two resulting in imprisonment.

Data covers the period from the week commencing 20 July 2020 to the week commencing 7 September 2020.

A total of 92 events were opened as reported Covid-19 incidents, but only 57 were closed as confirmed regulations breaches.

Six of the reported breaches were identified as duplicate reports of individuals already being dealt with.

Outcomes included 10 arrests, 3 investigations, 4 warnings, 15 officer visits, and 10 instances where no breach was found.

Four cases went to court, two of which resulted in imprisonment while two remain live.


Request regarding Time Off In Lieu (TOIL)

Summary: A request was made to the Isle of Man Cabinet Office for data on employee numbers and Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) policies, balances, and costs. The authority disclosed full-time and part-time employee counts but confirmed it does not hold information on TOIL balances or costs due to the operation of a flexi-time scheme.

As of 26 October 2020, the Cabinet Office employed 371 full-time staff.

As of 26 October 2020, the Cabinet Office employed 59 part-time staff.

The department does not have a negotiated and agreed policy relating to TOIL.

The Cabinet Office operates a flexi-time scheme rather than a TOIL system.

Information regarding TOIL balances, approval processes, and financial costs was not held by the authority.


Request fir information regarding Time Off In Lieu (TOIL)

Summary: Prospect Trade Union requested data on Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) policies and balances for the Department for Enterprise. The authority disclosed employee counts, TOIL balances, approval processes, and financial equivalents, but withheld net savings data as it required new analysis.

The Department for Enterprise employs 172 full-time and 20 part-time staff.

A negotiated TOIL policy exists specifically for the Isle of Man Ship Registry, while general civil service terms apply to others.

As of October 13, 2020, 19 employees held a TOIL balance totaling 1,499 hours.

TOIL hours are recorded on in-house sheets and approved by line managers, with an average accrual-to-takeback period of 12 months.

The financial equivalent of owed TOIL hours is £46,827 at flat rate and £70,240 at overtime rates.

Information not held and would require derivation, excluded from the FoI Act


Request for information regarding Time Off In Lieu (TOIL)

Summary: A Freedom of Information request was made to the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture regarding Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) policies and statistics. The department disclosed employee counts, TOIL balances, and recording methods, but declined to provide financial costings or average accrual times due to the substantial data compilation required.

The department employs 186 full-time and 30 part-time staff.

18 employees currently hold a TOIL balance.

The total TOIL hours owed across the department is 549.02.

TOIL hours are recorded on flexi sheets or the PiP system for specific areas.

Financial costings and average accrual times were not provided due to data compilation constraints.


Summary: A request was made to the Isle of Man Department of Health and Social Care for data on employee numbers and Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) policies and balances. The authority disclosed full-time and part-time employee counts and the TOIL policy but refused to provide specific data on TOIL balances and accrual times due to the cost of collating information.

As of 31st March 2020, the Department employed 1,951 full-time staff.

As of 31st March 2020, the Department employed 848 part-time staff.

The Department has a negotiated and agreed TOIL policy which was attached to the response.

Information on the number of employees with a TOIL balance was withheld.

Information on the average time between TOIL accrual and usage was withheld.

1,951
848
31st March 2020
1st April 2020
16th September 2020
28th October 2020

Section 8(3) of the Freedom of Information Act (cost of creating or deriving information)

Section 11(3)(b) of the Freedom of Information Act (things a public authority is not required to do)


Summary: A request was made to the Department of Home Affairs for data on employee numbers and Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) policies, balances, and costs. The authority disclosed staff counts and TOIL balances for specific divisions but withheld information on approval processes, average accrual times, and financial equivalents as it was not held or required derivation.

The Department of Home Affairs employs 224 full-time and 12 part-time staff.

TOIL policies are set by individual divisions in line with pay group terms and conditions.

The Prison & Probation Service reported that all staff have a TOIL balance.

Information on how TOIL hours are approved and recorded is not held by the department.

Financial cost calculations for TOIL hours were refused as they would require deriving new information.

Derivation of information excluded from the FoI Act

Department not authorised to provide information held on behalf of the police force


Summary: A Freedom of Information request was made to the Isle of Man Treasury regarding Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) policies, employee counts, and financial implications. The authority disclosed full information, including staff numbers, the absence of a specific union-negotiated TOIL policy, and the financial value of outstanding TOIL hours.

The Treasury employs 291 full-time and 48 part-time officers.

There is no specific TOIL policy negotiated directly with the Prospect union.

Only two officers currently hold a TOIL balance totaling 24 hours.

The average time taken to use accrued TOIL hours is 49 days based on recent data.

The net saving to the Department from these two employees accruing TOIL instead of overtime is £425.09.


NHS Dentists

Summary: The request sought the number of people on the NHS dental waiting list and average wait times in the Isle of Man. The Department of Health and Social Care disclosed that 1,540 patients were waiting as of September 2020, with 59% waiting between 6 months and a year, largely due to COVID-19 practice closures.

As of 17 September 2020, there were 1,540 patients on the NHS Dental Waiting List.

59% of patients had waited between 6 months and 1 year.

Almost 50% of patients were added to the list following dental practice closures in March 2020 due to COVID-19.

Primary Care Services instructed providers to cease holding their own waiting lists on 30 September 2019 to ensure fair allocation.

Negotiations with NHS Dental Providers regarding contractual arrangements and access were planned to clear the waiting list.


Prosecution of Criminal Offences

Summary: A request was made to the Attorney General's Chambers for details on the practical management of criminal prosecutions, including documentation of evidential tests and specific policies for road races. The authority responded that while operational processes exist, the specific documentation requested is not 'held' by the AGC, and referred the requester to existing public codes and court practice directions.

The AGC confirmed that the application of the 'Evidential Test' and 'Public Interest Test' is documented, but stated this information is not 'held' by the AGC.

No specific factors or published policies relating to the Road Closures Authorisation Act 2016 or TT/MGP Road Races are held by the AGC beyond the Prosecution Code.

The timeline for providing evidence to the Defence depends on whether it is required by a court order or statute such as the CPIA.

The process for dealing with a case is outlined in a practice direction issued by the Summary Court rather than an internal AGC document.

There is no policy guidance for the settlement of legal costs; disputed costs are a matter for the Court.


Constitution

Summary: The requester asked for the UCM constitution for lecturers and meeting minutes for JCC and JNC committees over the past two years. The authority provided the constitution and JNC minutes with redactions for personal data, but stated that JCC minutes were not held as those meetings do not take place within the Department.

The request was received on 2020-09-21 and responded to on 2020-10-19.

The UCM constitution for lecturers was provided but contained redacted personal information.

JNC meeting minutes for the past two years were provided with redactions.

JCC meeting minutes were not provided because the Department does not hold them as the meetings do not take place within the Department.

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

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

Data Protection (Application of GDPR) Order 2018

Article 5 of the General Data Protection Regulation

Article 6 of the General Data Protection Regulation


First time buyer buy back scheme

Summary: The requester asked for data on first-time buyer buy-back properties removed from sale listings and leased to third parties in the last three years. The Department of Infrastructure could not provide the specific listing history but disclosed the number of buy-back properties sub-let to third parties annually since 2011.

The Department does not record a history of which properties were advertised as available for purchase on the website.

Records of sub-leases for buy-back properties are held and provided in the response.

No buy-back properties were sub-let to a third party between October 2011 and March 2016.

Three properties were sub-let annually during the financial years 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20.

Six properties had been sub-let to a third party during the 2020-21 financial year at the time of the response.

Information not held by the Department for the purposes of the Act regarding website listing history


Cambridge IGCSE Examinations 2020

Summary: The request sought details on the 2020 Cambridge IGCSE grading algorithm, school-specific results, and correspondence regarding teacher concerns from December 2018. The Department of Education, Sport and Culture provided some information but withheld data requiring substantial compilation, leading to a partial disclosure outcome.

The request was received on 2020-09-21 and the outcome was issued on 2020-10-20.

The authority cited Section 8(3)(c) of the Freedom of Information Act to avoid substantial compilation of historical correspondence.

The requester agreed to narrow the timeframe for teacher concern correspondence to 13 August 2019 onwards.

The response included 25 pages across 4 documents.

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

The request covered the transition from algorithmic grading to Centre Assessed Grades (CAGs) for 2020 exams.

Section 8(3)(c) of the Freedom of Information Act (substantial compilation or collation)


Assessment and setting of Year 9 pupils in Castle Rushen High School

Summary: A request was made for detailed assessment and setting data for Year 9 pupils at Castle Rushen High School for September 2020. The Department of Education disclosed that the school uses a 'broad banding' system rather than rigid sets, providing class names and pupil counts, but withheld specific achievement levels and subject-specific setting details as they are not held in the requested format.

Castle Rushen High School uses a 'broad banding' system for Year 9 pupils instead of rigid ability sets.

Banding decisions were based on Key Stage 2 data, Year 7 levels, Year 8 tracking data, and professional consultation.

Common band structures apply to English, Maths, Science, Languages, Humanities, Arts, and IT.

Quest, PE, Games, and Technology are exceptions where grouping is influenced by practicalities and health and safety.

Specific upper, lower, and median achievement levels for each set were not provided as the data is not held in that format.

section 8 (3) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015

Information not held or cannot be found after reasonable steps

Data not held in the format requested (Section 8(3) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015)


Concrete cracking Douglas Promenade and Remedial Works

Summary: A request was made to the Department of Infrastructure for details on defects recorded on the Douglas Promenade, including costs and rectification status. The authority responded by providing a comprehensive defects register listing numerous issues, though specific monetary costs for repairs were not included in the disclosed summary.

The Department of Infrastructure provided a defects register for the Douglas Promenade Refurbishment project.

The register lists defects ranging from reference DEF-79 to DEF-129.

Most defects listed have a status of 'CURRENT', indicating they have not yet been rectified.

Only a small number of defects (e.g., DEF-103, DEF-102, DEF-101, DEF-97, DEF-92, DEF-87) are marked as 'CORRECTED'.

The response did not include the specific costs incurred by the Department for fixing the defects as requested.


Walker Fire Fire Extinguisher Contract

Summary: The requester inquired about the status of the Walker Fire UK contract for fire extinguishers and potential government connections of replacement contractors. The Department of Infrastructure confirmed Walker Fire UK withdrew due to COVID-19 travel restrictions and that the next competitive tenderer was engaged, while stating they could not verify personal government connections of directors.

Walker Fire UK is no longer undertaking the fire extinguisher work for the Department of Infrastructure.

The withdrawal was caused by travel restrictions in place due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Department engaged the company that held the next competitive tender under the initial procurement process.

The Department does not have access to information regarding government connections of the new company's directors.

The response cites Isle of Man Government Financial Regulations Section 6 regarding tender impartiality and conflict of interest.

Code of Conduct for Public Servants 2009


Abortion belief refusals

Summary: The requester asked for monthly statistics on staff conscientious objections to abortion under the Isle of Man Abortion Reform Act 2019 since June 2019. The Department of Health and Social Care disclosed that no objections were recorded by nursing or medical staff, but confirmed they do not hold data regarding pharmacy staff objections.

The request covered the period from June 2019 to September 2020.

The Maternity Department at Nobles Hospital confirmed zero conscientious objections among nursing and medical staff.

The Pharmacy Department does not hold data on objections to handling abortion medicines.

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

The response was issued on 20th October 2020.

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


Working from home

Summary: The requester asked for departmental breakdowns of government employees working from home, monitoring methods, and return-to-office plans. The Cabinet Office responded that it does not hold central data on the number of remote workers as these are operational decisions, though it outlined existing performance management frameworks and homeworking guidelines.

The Cabinet Office does not hold central data on the number of employees working from home by department.

Flexible working arrangements are managerial decisions made at an operational level on a day-to-day basis.

Performance is monitored using established approaches including KPIs, service levels, and formal appraisal tools.

Homeworking guidelines are published online and can be used to facilitate a return to the office if arrangements are not mutually beneficial.

The government is adopting a blended approach to working environments post-Covid 19.


Mannin

Summary: The requester asked for the business case regarding the refurbishment of the steam engine Mannin, but the Department of Infrastructure confirmed that no such document exists as the project is still in the evaluation phase.

The Department of Infrastructure does not hold a business case for the Mannin steam engine refurbishment.

No boiler has been ordered for the engine as the Department is still evaluating required actions.

The request was received on 2020-09-28 and the final outcome was issued on 2020-10-13.

The authority cited that the information was not held rather than refusing it under an exemption.

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


Vignole - The Diesel

Summary: The request sought details on maintenance costs, warranty work, and the operational status of diesel locomotive 21 'Vignoles'. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed specific repair costs and warranty details but withheld the value of the bogie repair contract citing commercial sensitivity.

The locomotive engine was replaced under warranty at no cost to the Treasury.

Bogie repairs, including springs, brake cylinders, and bearings, cost £41.8k.

A detailed examination and assessment of the bogies cost £17k.

Bogie work was carried out in West Yorkshire by Wabtec Faiveley UK following a competitive tender.

The specific value of the winning tender for bogie repairs was withheld.

Section 30 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (prejudice to economic and commercial interests)


TT

Summary: A request was made for details on TT trademark infringement legal actions since 2017, including costs and locations of accused parties. The Department for Enterprise provided some information but withheld specific details regarding personal data and ongoing investigations.

The request covered legal actions for TT trademark infringements from January 1, 2017.

The Department for Enterprise responded on October 21, 2020.

Personal data regarding accused individuals was withheld under absolute exemption.

Information related to ongoing investigations was withheld to prevent jeopardizing law enforcement.

The response included 18 pages across 2 documents.

Section 31(1) - Investigation and Legal Proceedings


Parking control and parking complaints.

Summary: The requester asked for historical data on parking complaints and outcomes in specific areas of the Isle of Man, but the Constabulary disclosed only two relevant incidents from 2017 where no penalties were issued, noting that Fixed Penalty Ticket data is held by the Department for Infrastructure and Courts.

The Constabulary does not hold data on Fixed Penalty Tickets issued by Parking Controllers, as they work for the Department for Infrastructure.

Police records were reviewed for the last seven years (since October 2013) for the specified locations.

Only two relevant parking complaint events were identified, both occurring in 2017.

Both identified events resulted in drivers being spoken to and vehicles moved, with no penalties issued.

One of the incidents involved a car breakdown rather than intentional inconsiderate parking.

Information not held by the public authority

Information held by another body (Department for Infrastructure/Isle of Man Courts)


planning complaint

Summary: The requester asked for the name of the individual who submitted a planning complaint regarding Field 124093 near Regaby Veg Farm. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture refused to disclose the name, citing an absolute exemption for personal data under the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

The request was received on 29 September 2020 and closed on 30 September 2020.

The information requested was the name of a complainant regarding an alleged breach of planning control.

The authority refused the request under section 25(2) of the Act as absolutely exempt personal information.

The refusal was based on the incompatibility of releasing the data with the second data protection principle.

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)


Key Workers

Summary: A request was made for communications regarding key workers who breached Covid-19 regulations, but the Cabinet Office responded that it does not hold this information.

The Cabinet Office does not hold the requested information regarding key worker breaches.

Breaches of Covid-19 regulations are handled by the Isle of Man Constabulary.

The request was received on 1 October 2020 and closed on 6 October 2020.

The applicant was advised to contact the Isle of Man Constabulary for the information.

The response outlines the right to an internal review and appeal to the Information Commissioner.


Traffic volume and speed analysis data undertaken on Strang Rd

Summary: A request was made for traffic volume and speed data on Strang Road from 2015 to 2020, and the Department of Infrastructure confirmed that all requested information was provided in an attachment.

The request was received on 1 October 2020.

The response was issued on 8 October 2020.

The authority handling the request is the Department of Infrastructure.

The outcome was that all information was sent.

The data covers the period from 2015 to 2020.


Report by planning enforcement

Summary: A request was made to confirm if Tel's Limited's operations at Snugborough Trading Estate complied with existing planning permission, specifically regarding a crusher and re-graded land. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture disclosed a full enforcement report detailing the site visit findings and relevant legal case law regarding planning scope.

The enforcement report concerns Tel's Limited at Unit 43B, Snugborough Trading Estate.

A site visit on 15 August 2019 confirmed the presence of a crusher and re-graded rear wall bank.

The re-grading of the bank is considered an engineering operation requiring separate planning approval.

The report cites case law including Wall v. Winchester City Council [2015] and Wilson v. West Sussex CC [1963] to discuss limitations of planning permission descriptions.

The authority determined that without express conditions, descriptions in permissions do not prevent subsequent uses within the same Use Class.


Key worker exemptions

Summary: The request sought sector-specific data on key worker exemptions under the Emergency Powers Act since April 2020, including travel details from ports. The Cabinet Office provided exemption counts by sector but confirmed it does not hold data on how many workers traveled away from ports.

The Cabinet Office does not hold information on how many key workers travelled away from the ports to work.

Exemption data covers the period from 27 April to 2 October 2020.

A total of 1,150 exemptions were granted across all sectors during the specified period.

The Department for Health and Social Care received the highest number of exemptions at 509.

The Department of Infrastructure received 384 exemptions.


Ballamodha Straight, Ballasalla, Traffic Speed Data

Summary: A request was made for detailed traffic speed data from Ballamodha Straight, Ballasalla, for the period of 6 to 13 July 2020. The Department of Infrastructure responded by providing all requested information in an attached appendix.

The request was received on 5 October 2020 and responded to on 8 October 2020.

The data covers traffic speeds on Ballamodha Straight, Ballasalla.

The specific data period requested was 6 July to 13 July 2020 inclusive.

The response included 21 pages across 2 documents.

The outcome was that all information requested was sent.


Laxey Shore Old Bridge Collapse Investigation report

Summary: The requester asked for the full investigation report and supporting documents regarding the 2015 Laxey Shore Old Bridge collapse. The Department of Infrastructure released the main report but withheld specific personal data under an absolute exemption.

The request concerned the Laxey Shore Old Bridge collapse which occurred in December 2015.

The Department of Infrastructure responded on 8 October 2020.

The main investigation report was provided as Appendix 1.

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

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

Section 25 (absolutely exempt personal information)


Beamans Report -School Governors and Student Behaviour

Summary: The request sought information on effective school governing bodies and student behaviour reports from the Beamans Review. The Department of Education provided data on governor numbers and the 2019 behaviour report (with redactions) but confirmed it did not hold information on specific 'notable exception' governing bodies or related email correspondence.

The Department does not hold information identifying the 'notable exceptions' of governing bodies mentioned in the Beamans Report.

Information on the number of governors per school broken down by category was provided.

A copy of the 2019 student behaviour report was provided but contained redacted personal information.

No email correspondence between the Department and schools regarding the behaviour report was found in Department records.

Schools were contacted to verify email correspondence, with most confirming none existed.

2020-10-05
2020-10-30
3 November 2020
Friday 6th November
page 53
Page 110
2019
section 25
Article 5
Article 6
case_id: 1501165
96 pages
3 documents

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

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


Sheep escapes Baldrine

Summary: The requester asked for information regarding sheep escapes near Baldrine Railway Station and Lower Ballabeg Farm, specifically those not reported to the police. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed a log of five specific incidents involving livestock on the railway line between March 2019 and May 2020.

The Department of Infrastructure provided a table of incidents matching the requested geographical area.

Five specific incidents of sheep on the railway line were recorded between 2019 and 2020.

Incidents involved responses such as removing sheep, repairing fences, and investigating boundaries.

The request was redacted to protect personal data of the requester or third parties.

The authority confirmed the outcome as 'All information sent' on 21 October 2020.

Personal data protection (redaction to prevent identification of requester or third parties)


Pre-Planning Advice given in respect of PA 20/01080/B

Summary: The applicant requested all pre-application advice and meeting details regarding a proposed 200-house development in Milntown, Ramsey, involving Dandara and government officers. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture disclosed all requested information, including emails and planning advice, confirming the outcome as 'All information sent'.

The request concerned pre-application advice for planning application PA 20/01080/B.

The proposed development involves approximately 200 houses on land in Milntown, Ramsey.

Dandara Group was the applicant seeking advice from planning officers Chris Balmer and Steve Butler.

Initial planning comments noted the proposal did not comply with the West Ramsey Development Plan stages.

The authority determined that a Full Environmental Impact Assessment was likely not required based on existing designations.

200 houses
2004 West Ramsey Development Framework
1982 IOM Development Plan
1998 Ramsey Local Plan
paragraph 17.4.1
05 February 2020
19 January 2020
23 March 2020
81 pages
2 documents


Please provide the loss and profit of  Dial a ride

Summary: The requester asked for profit and loss data for Dial a Ride services and minibuses used for specific transport routes, but the Department of Infrastructure could not provide this due to internal budgeting policies. Instead, the authority disclosed the purchase costs and quantities of minibuses acquired during fleet replacement programs between 2017 and 2019.

No vehicles were purchased solely for Patient Transport Services or Demand Responsive Transport; they are part of the general fleet replacement.

Shared services are funded via internal budget transfers rather than commercial invoicing, making specific profit/loss data unavailable.

Running costs for minibuses are incorporated into the operational expenditure of the entire bus fleet.

The approximate purchase cost for a new minibus is between £50,000 and £60,000 depending on specification.

The Department of Infrastructure provided specific purchase totals for 2017-18 and 2018-19.

8 x Mercedes Benz Sprinter 35 Mobility minibus

4 x Mercedes Benz Sprinter 45 Transfer minibus

Information withheld because shared services are funded by internal budget transfers, not commercial invoicing, preventing the identification of matching costs.


Senior Management Meetings

Summary: A request was made for Senior Management Team minutes of Bus Vannin meetings since 2014, but the Department of Infrastructure responded that the information is not held because the meetings are informal and not minuted.

The request was received on 2020-10-06 and responded to on 2020-10-22.

The Department of Infrastructure does not hold the requested SMT minutes for Bus Vannin.

Transport Services Managers meet generally on a weekly basis.

These meetings are considered informal discussions and are not minuted.

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


PIP

Summary: The request sought details on the cost, delays, and funding sources for the People Information Programme (PIP) used by OHR and Payroll. The Cabinet Office disclosed the total costs incurred to date, the revised completion timeline, and specific reasons for delays including GDPR compliance and the pandemic.

The People Information Programme aims to introduce a single HR and Payroll IT system for the Isle of Man Government.

Total costs from the start of the programme to September 2020 were £1,620,115.48.

The programme is funded through the Digital Strategy Fund.

Roll out was delayed from the original March 2019 deadline to December 2020.

Delays were caused by complex government terms and conditions, system performance issues, GDPR implementation, and the Covid-19 pandemic.


Key Workers

Summary: The requester asked for copies of entry certificates for Key Workers issued by the Department of Infrastructure under coronavirus regulations. The request was withdrawn because the Department does not hold the information, as certificates are issued by the Cabinet Office.

The request was received on 2020-10-08 and closed on 2020-11-25.

The Department of Infrastructure does not hold the requested entry certificates.

Entry certificates for Key Workers are issued by the Cabinet Office.

The requester was advised to resubmit the request directly to the Cabinet Office.


Key Workers

Summary: The requester asked for copies of entry certificates issued to key workers under coronavirus regulations, but the Information Commissioner's Office did not uphold the complaint regarding the Department's response.

The request was made to the Department of Health and Social Care on 2020-10-08.

The outcome was 'Not upheld' on 2020-12-04.

The response included a sample entry certificate template dated 15 July 2020.

Key workers were permitted 'modified self-isolation' allowing travel to designated work premises.

Certificates were issued by the Cabinet Office under the Emergency Powers (Coronavirus) (Entry Restrictions) (No 2) (Amendment) Regulations 2020.

2020-10-08
2020-12-04
15 July 2020
Regulation 6
14 consecutive days
24 pages
5 documents


Key Workers

Summary: The requester asked for copies of entry certificates issued to Key Workers under specific coronavirus regulations. The Department of Home Affairs responded that they do not hold this information because they do not issue such certificates.

The Department of Home Affairs does not issue entry certificates.

The authority stated they do not hold the requested information.

Requesters were advised to contact the Cabinet Office for assistance.

The request was received on 8 October 2020 and closed on 12 October 2020.

The request referenced Emergency Powers (Coronavirus) (Entry Restrictions) No. 2 Regulations 2020.


Key Workers

Summary: The requester asked for copies of entry certificates for Key Workers issued by the Department for Enterprise under coronavirus regulations. The request was withdrawn because the Department does not hold the information, as certificates are issued by the Cabinet Office.

The request was received on 2020-10-08 and closed on 2020-10-30.

The Department for Enterprise does not hold the requested entry certificates.


Eagle Labs Funding Update

Summary: The requester asked for an update on the amount paid from a £324,062.50 underwriting figure for Eagle Labs between March 2018 and June 2019. The Department for Enterprise disclosed that a total of £120,299.54 had been paid under the guarantee arrangement between March 2018 and October 2020.

The Department for Enterprise entered into a joint agreement with Barclays Bank and the Chamber of Commerce to provide a financial guarantee for Eagle Labs.

The guarantee arrangement was established for a period of 5 years.

A total of £120,299.54 was paid out between 1 March 2018 and 9 October 2020.

The original underwriting figure mentioned in the request was £324,062.50.

The response confirmed that all requested information was sent.


Glamping proposal South Barrule plantation

Summary: A request was made for financial details and officer time regarding a glamping proposal at South Barrule plantation, but the Department for Enterprise stated they do not hold the information.

The request was received on 2020-10-09 and responded to on 2020-10-30.

The Department for Enterprise does not hold the requested information on costs or officer time.

The requester was advised to contact DEFA for potential assistance.

The response outlines the right to an internal review and appeal to the Information Commissioner.


Glamping proposal south Barrule plantation

Summary: A request was made for financial details and officer time committed to a glamping proposal at South Barrule plantation. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture disclosed the total external costs, confirmed no specific budget was set, and provided meeting minutes.

The total monetary amount for external costs is £19,457.10.

No specific budget was set for the glamping project.

Officer time costs were managed within the existing Department budget.

Policy and Strategy minutes from December 2016, October 2017, and July 2019 were released.

The request was received on 2020-10-09 and closed on 2020-11-10.


Chamber of Commerce Payments

Summary: A requester asked for financial records of payments from the Department for Enterprise to the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce between January 2018 and June 2020. The authority disclosed all requested information, providing copies of records and stating the total amount paid was GBP 129,767.88, including a payment made shortly after the requested period.

The Department for Enterprise paid a total of GBP 112,267.88 to the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce between 1 January 2018 and 30 June 2020.

An additional payment of GBP 17,500 was made on 22 July 2020 and included in the disclosure due to its proximity to the request end date.

The total amount disclosed for the period and the additional payment is GBP 129,767.88.

The request was received on 12 October 2020 and the response was issued on 3 November 2020.

The Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce is identified by Company registry number 001380C.


Housing

Summary: The requester asked for figures on public sector housing tenants who retained their homes after receiving over £100,000 or obtaining property over the last five years. The Department of Infrastructure stated it does not hold this specific historical data but confirmed that in every such case identified in the last five years, the tenancy was surrendered.

The Department of Infrastructure does not hold historical data on tenants retaining housing after acquiring substantial means.

The Department only holds current financial data for tenants where recent eligibility reviews have been conducted.

Action regarding tenants with substantial means is taken on a case-by-case basis based on evidence.

The number of cases involving tenants with substantial means is described as extremely low.

In every case during the last five years, the outcome was that the tenancy was surrendered.


Essential Workers

Summary: A request was made for statistics on overseas essential workers in the Isle of Man over the last six months, including testing data, length of stay, and duration of visits. The Cabinet Office disclosed the number of approved applications and average stay duration but confirmed it did not hold data regarding pre-arrival COVID testing.

There were 1,390 approved applications for key workers from overseas up to 14 October 2020.

The Cabinet Office does not hold information on how many workers were tested for Covid prior to arrival.

The average length of stay for a key worker is 23 days.

The average stay figure is inflated by Department of Health and Social Care workers staying for extended periods.

618 applications were approved for essential workers to stay on the island for more than 7 days.

1390
23 days
618
14 October 2020
16 October 2020
7 days


DOI Expenditure for Past 3 Years

Summary: The requester asked for a detailed breakdown of Department of Infrastructure accounts for 2016-17, 2017-18, and 2018-19, including spending on consultants and Bus Vannin. The authority provided expenditure tables for 2016-17 and 2017-18 but noted that not all requested information was held, with the 2018-19 data appearing incomplete in the response.

The request covered three financial years: 2016-17, 2017-18, and 2018-19.

Detailed expenditure tables were provided for 2016-17 and 2017-18 showing actual spend versus budget.

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

The 2018-19 data section in the response is truncated and incomplete.

Specific divisions included Estate Shared Services, Highway Services, Ports, and Transport Services.

2016-17 Estate Shared Services Total: £25,102,869

2017-18 Public Estates and Housing Total: £28,630,685


Tree removal licenses

Summary: The request sought a list of tree removal licenses issued for Sandygate House since 2014. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture disclosed three specific licenses and noted that other removals may have occurred under plant health legislation or planning approvals.

Three tree removal licenses were issued for the property between 2014 and 2015.

License 521/15 included trees on the boundary adjoining Sandygate House.

Tree removal can also occur under plant health legislation for diseased trees like Dutch Elm Disease.

Tree removal can be included within a planning approval without a separate license.

The request was processed by the Freedom of Information Co-ordinator at the Corporate Services Directorate.


Medicinal Cannabis

Summary: A request was made to the Department of Health and Social Care for the number of medicinal cannabis prescriptions issued and their reasons since legalization. The authority responded that no prescriptions have been issued by the department to date.

The request was received on 19 October 2020.

The response was issued on 4 November 2020.

The Department of Health and Social Care has issued zero medicinal cannabis prescriptions.

The request covered prescriptions issued since the legalization of medicinal cannabis on the Isle of Man.

19 October 2020
4 November 2020
1519393
no prescriptions


Specialist doctors for the prescribing of medicinal cannabis

Summary: A request was made for the names and addresses of specialist doctors on the Isle of Man authorized to prescribe medicinal cannabis following its legalization. The Department of Health and Social Care responded that no such specialist doctors exist within the department.

The Department of Health and Social Care does not have any specialist doctors who can prescribe medicinal cannabis.

The response was issued on 5 November 2020.

The authority confirmed the outcome as 'All information sent' despite the negative finding.

19 October 2020
5 November 2020
1519493
2 pages
1 document


Number of births during Covid19

Summary: The request sought data on births during COVID-19 restrictions and trends in postnatal depression; the authority disclosed the number of births but refused the depression data as it was not held in a reportable format.

214 births occurred at the Jane Crookall ward between 16 March 2020 and 30 June 2020.

During this period, partners were only permitted to visit when the woman was in active labour.

The Department of Health and Social Care does not have reporting mechanisms to extrapolate postnatal depression figures.

Community midwives reported no awareness of a significant increase in postnatal depression numbers during the pandemic.

The request was partially fulfilled under the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

Section 8(3) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (information not held)

Section 11(3)(b) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (no requirement to create or derive information)


Mental Health Manager Training

Summary: A Freedom of Information request was made to the Isle of Man Post Office regarding their mental health training for managers and support programs. The authority confirmed they offer their own training, disclosed that 24 managers completed it in the last three years, and detailed how staff are advised of available support.

The Isle of Man Post Office offers mental health training specifically to its managers.

24 managers successfully completed the mental health training in the last 3 years.

Staff are advised of mental health support via posters, weekly bulletins, and specific leaflets sent during lockdown.

IOMPO operates its own mental health support programme rather than following Royal Mail.

The HR Department coordinated external training providers for the manager training, while the Board holds overall Health and Safety responsibility.


Disciplinary

Summary: A Freedom of Information request was made to the Isle of Man Post Office regarding disciplinary cases over the last four years, specifically focusing on gross misconduct and dismissals. The authority responded by disclosing the total number of cases, the count of gross misconduct incidents, the number of dismissals, and the role responsible for determining sanctions.

21 disciplinary cases were held in the last 4 years.

15 of these cases were for Gross Misconduct.

3 staff members were dismissed for Gross Misconduct during the past 4 years.

The hearing manager decides the sanction in line with IOMPO business policy.

The request was received on 20 October 2020 and closed on 12 November 2020.


Serious assault and drug crimes figures as reported

Summary: The request sought data to verify a Minister's claim linking a 6.8% rise in drug crime to a 49% increase in serious assault, specifically asking for cannabis-related proportions and secondary influence breakdowns. The Isle of Man Constabulary disclosed a detailed table of drug offence statistics by class for 2018-2020 but provided only a partial assessment of serious violent crimes for January to July 2020 regarding secondary influences.

Total drug offences increased by 6.8% from 457 in 2018-19 to 488 in 2019-20.

Class A drug offences saw a 29.0% increase, rising from 100 to 129 recorded offences.

Class B drug offences decreased by 0.9%, falling from 335 to 332 recorded offences.

Class C drug offences increased by 23.8%, rising from 21 to 26 recorded offences.

Data on serious assault secondary influences was limited to the period of January 2020 to July 2020.


Complete Copy of a Report by Angela-Main Thompson 18.02.17

No information sent - all held but exempt

Summary: The requester sought a complete copy of a 2017 report by Angela Main-Thompson reviewing potential conflicts of interest by Ministers Shimmin and Skelly regarding a planning application. The Cabinet Office confirmed the report is held but refused to disclose it, citing exemptions.

The report reviews the actions of Ministers Shimmin and Skelly concerning planning application 15/00124/B.

An independent Planning Inspector recommended refusal of the application due to environmental harm.

The Council of Ministers (CoMin) overruled the Inspector's recommendation and approved the application on 3 September 2015.

Ministers Gawne and Quayle withdrew from the CoMin meeting due to conflicts of interest, but Shimmin and Skelly did not.

The complainant alleged undeclared conflicts of interest and lobbied the Planning Committee previously.


Freedom Of Information Request, Company Memorandum

Summary: A request was made for the Memorandum of Articles of Association for the Isle of Man Courts of Justice, but the Department of Home Affairs responded that they do not hold this information.

The request was received on 2020-10-22 and responded to on 2020-10-26.

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

The request targeted Company No: 5634783, Isle of Man Courts of Justice.

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


Freedom Of Information.  Company Memorandum

Summary: The requester asked the Cabinet Office for the Memorandum and Articles of Association for the company 'Tynwald'. The Cabinet Office responded that they do not hold this information and suggested contacting the Clerk of Tynwald's Office instead.

The request was received on 2020-10-22 and responded to on 2020-10-23.

The Cabinet Office does not hold the requested documents for Tynwald (Company No: 5104830).

The requester was advised to contact the Clerk of Tynwald's Office for assistance.

The outcome is classified as 'Not required to fulfill request' due to lack of information held.


Freedom Of Information Request.  Company Memorandum

The Department of Home Affairs confirmed they do not hold the requested documents.

The request targeted Company No: 4105239, Isle of Man Courts of Justice.

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


Level 4 framework, returning residents

Summary: A request was made to the Isle of Man Cabinet Office for the number of residents returning to the island since the Level 4 Borders Framework began in July 2020. The authority confirmed that all information was sent, disclosing a total of 8,256 returning residents.

The request was received by the Cabinet Office on 23 October 2020.

The response was issued on 28 October 2020.

The Level 4 Borders Framework started on 20 July 2020.

8,256 residents returned to the Isle of Man since the framework began.

The request was closed with all information provided.


Cost of Public Inquiry at Langness

Summary: A request was made to the Department of Infrastructure for the total financial cost of the Langness Public Inquiry and associated legal proceedings between 2007 and 2013. The authority disclosed that the total cost was £128,461 and provided all requested information.

The request covered costs for the Langness footpath public rights of way Public Inquiry.

The request included costs for High Court proceedings CHP10/0107 and other associated legal actions.

The specified time period for the costs was between 2007 and 2013.

The Department of Infrastructure confirmed the total financial cost was £128,461.

The response was issued on 16 November 2020, stating all information was sent.


Classification of the U72, Andreas

Summary: The requester asked for evidence supporting the classification of the U72 road in Andreas as a public highway. The Department of Infrastructure confirmed all information was sent but provided it on a physical USB stick due to file size constraints.

The request concerned the status of the U72 road in Andreas.

The Department of Infrastructure holds all documents related to the request.

Documents were too large to be sent via email or the automated FOI system.

Information was provided on an encrypted, password-protected USB memory stick.

The requester must collect the USB stick in person from the Sea Terminal Building in Douglas.


Arrests for Drink/Drug Driving (regardless of subsequent conviction )

Summary: The Isle of Man Constabulary provided statistics on drink and drug driving arrests from July 2019 to October 2020, split into two eight-month periods. The response disclosed that while overall offences decreased by 10% in the second period, the average alcohol reading increased by over 50%.

Period 2 (March 2020 - October 2020) recorded 10% fewer offences than Period 1 (July 2019 - February 2020).

Average alcohol amounts in Period 2 were over 50% higher than in Period 1.

The mean alcohol reading was 64 in Period 1 and 99 in Period 2 based on 132 offences with known readings.

Data was compiled by merging custody records with prosecution cases to include alcohol amounts.

Some detentions did not result in prosecution due to breath alcohol samples being too low.


Democratic Process to unelect serving Public Officials

Summary: The requester asked for the process to unelect serving public officials in the Isle of Man before their term ends. The Cabinet Office responded that currently, the public must wait for the next election, though specific grounds for declaring a seat vacant exist under the Representation of the People Act 1995 and new recall provisions are being introduced via the Elections (Keys and Local Authorities) Act 2020.

Currently, there is very little the public can do to 'un-elect' a serving member before the next election.

A seat in Keys can be declared vacant due to death, resignation, custody sentences, mental incapacity, failure to attend sittings, bankruptcy, or accepting an office of profit.

The Elections (Keys and Local Authorities) Act 2020 aims to provide electors with more power to trigger by-elections in certain circumstances.

The Tynwald Standards and Members' Interests Committee can report on a member's conduct, and Tynwald can suspend an MHK based on recommendations.

As of the response date, there is no scope for the public to directly instigate action aimed at unelecting a Member.


Drugs - Search warrants executed

Summary: The Isle of Man Constabulary responded to a Freedom of Information request for data on drug-related search warrants executed between January 2019 and October 2020, disclosing details of 43 relevant premises searches including forced entry, officer numbers, and seizure values.

A total of 43 relevant premises searches were identified in the period from January 2019 to October 2020.

Searches conducted under Section 21.1 powers, such as those after detention or voluntary searches, were excluded from the review.

Data for searches prior to June 17, 2019, was retrieved from an obsolete system.

The response includes specific details on forced entry, number of officers, drugs seized, street value, arrests, and charges for each search.

Some data points regarding minors and specific drug values are marked as 'Unknown' or 'Not Known'.


Anonymous letter from press conference 30 October 2020.

Summary: A requester sought a copy of an anonymous letter read by the Minister at a press conference on 30 October 2020 regarding staff morale and media coverage of the testing regime. The Department of Health and Social Care responded that the information was not held because the original document had been destroyed.

The request was received on 2 November 2020 and responded to on 18 November 2020.

The authority stated the original letter was destroyed, resulting in an 'Information not held' outcome.

The requester sought an internal review specifically regarding whether the destruction complied with the FOI Act.

The response includes a full transcription of the letter's content made by Georgina Jones on 12 November 2020.

The letter expressed demoralization among staff due to media implying the testing regime relied on a single individual.


FOI Public Documents Memorandum and Articles of Association

Summary: A request was made for the Memorandum and Articles of Association for three specific Private Unlimited Companies associated with the Isle of Man Government. The Cabinet Office responded that they do not hold this information and directed the requester to the Isle of Man Companies Registry.

The request was received by the Cabinet Office on 2 November 2020.

The outcome was determined as 'Information not held' on 5 November 2020.

The request targeted three companies: Isle of Man Government (No: 5510613), Isle of Man Government (No: 4256292), and Isle of Man Government (No: 4491656).

The authority advised contacting the Isle of Man Companies Registry for the requested documents.

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


FOI request for foundation evidence

Summary: The Isle of Man Constabulary received a request for scientific and legislative evidence regarding cannabis classification and harm but refused to provide it, citing that the information is already reasonably accessible via public sources.

The request asked for five specific pieces of foundation evidence regarding cannabis scheduling, control, misuse, and harm.

The authority determined that all requested information was already available to the public.

The response was issued on the same day the request was received, 2 November 2020.

The Constabulary provided three specific URLs where the legislation and strategies can be found.

The request was closed without releasing any new documents or data.

1539049
2 November 2020
Misuse of Drugs Act 1976
section 20
Freedom of Information Act 2015

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


FOI request for foundation evidence

Summary: A request was made for scientific and legal evidence justifying the classification and control of cannabis under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1976. The Department of Home Affairs responded that the requested information is not held by the department.

The request sought five specific pieces of foundation evidence regarding cannabis scheduling and harm.

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

The authority confirmed it could not find the information after taking reasonable steps.

The request was received and closed on the same day, 2 November 2020.


harbours security

Summary: The request sought details on the recruitment, pay rates, and uniform costs for bank and contracted security officers at the Isle of Man harbours, as well as future salary projections. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed that two bank officers were directly appointed due to urgency, provided specific hourly rates and uniform costs, but withheld future salary bill predictions as they do not hold such information.

Two bank security officers were directly appointed without advertising due to an urgent business need approved by the Public Services Commission.

Bank officers are paid an hourly rate of £12.54, while contracted officers (Noonan's) are paid £14.74 per hour.

The cost to supply uniform and PPE for each bank officer is £98.98, whereas the cost for contracted officers is nil as the contractor supplies them.

There are 16 full-time staff in the Port Security section, with 4 receiving a supervisor rate.

The Department does not hold information regarding the expected increase in the salaries bill following the separation of airport and harbours.

Information not held (prediction of future events)


Covid19 Testing

Summary: A request was made to the Isle of Man Department of Health and Social Care for COVID-19 testing statistics as of the end of October 2020. The authority disclosed the total number of tests processed and the count of unique individuals tested.

The request was received on 2nd November 2020 and responded to on 5th November 2020.

As of midnight on 31st October 2020, 16,253 COVID-19 tests had been processed.

4,633 of the processed tests were duplicates involving the same individuals.

There were 11,620 unique individuals tested by the end of October 2020.

The response was issued by Interim Chief Executive Kathryn Magson.


Contract for cafes

Summary: The requester asked for details on the contract holder and expiry date for the Ticket Hall eatery and steam train catering facilities. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed that Q Catering holds the lease, which expires on 28 February 2022, and noted that this entity also provides catering for the dining train.

Q Catering holds the lease for the Tickethall eatery.

The contract for the Tickethall expires on 28 February 2022.

Q Catering provides catering services for the dining train.

The request was received on 3 November 2020 and responded to on 18 November 2020.

The authority handling the request is the Department of Infrastructure.


Direction Notices

Summary: The requester sought an example of a Direction Notice or equivalent exemption certificate issued to a Key Worker in June 2020. The Cabinet Office provided a redacted copy of a Key Worker exemption certificate but withheld personal data under an absolute exemption.

Direction Notices were not issued to key workers in June 2020; the equivalent document was a Key Worker Exemption Certificate.

The provided certificate outlines infection control protocols including hand washing, social distancing, and restrictions on public transport use.

Key workers were required to self-isolate in designated accommodation and travel only between arrival points and work.

The response was issued by the Cabinet Office on 12 November 2020.

Personal data within the document was withheld as it is absolutely exempt under the Freedom of Information Act.

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


Pothole Cliams - Island Wide

Summary: A request was made to the Department of Infrastructure for data on pothole reports, locations, repair status, and damage claims between 2018 and 2020. The authority responded by disclosing a detailed list of recorded pothole and road surface defect incidents with their locations and clearance dates.

The request covered pothole and road surface defect data for the years 2018, 2019, and 2020.

The Department of Infrastructure provided 80 pages of information across 2 documents.

The response includes specific records of defects with dates cleared ranging from January 2018 to November 2020.

Locations of defects span various areas including Douglas, Onchan, Peel, Ramsey, and Laxey.

The outcome was classified as 'All information sent' on November 16, 2020.


Presentation by Dr Rachel Glover

Summary: The requester asked for a copy of a presentation by Dr Rachel Glover regarding COVID-19 index cases and testing standards given to Isle of Man officials in October 2020. The Department of Health and Social Care stated they do not hold the document as it was not arranged by them, but provided a YouTube link where the presentation can be viewed.

The presentation was made by Dr Rachel Glover, a bank staff member and contractor, to MHKs and MLCs in October 2020.

The Department of Health and Social Care does not hold the presentation because it was not arranged by the Department.

The Department clarified that the presentation was not made at a cost to them.

The requester was directed to view the presentation on YouTube via a provided link.

The request was closed on 1st December 2020 under section 11(3)a of the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

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


Beamans Report - Effective School Governors

Summary: The requester asked the Cabinet Office to identify the specific school governing bodies described as 'notable exceptions' in the Beamans Report, following a referral from the Department of Education. The authority disclosed that Castle Rushen High School and Ballasalla Primary School were the two schools identified as effectively fulfilling their remit.

The Beamans Report was commissioned by the Council of Ministers.

The report stated that most governing boards in the Isle of Man do not fulfil their remit as defined in the Articles of Government.

Beamans Management Consultants identified Castle Rushen High School and Ballasalla Primary School as the 'notable exceptions'.

The consultants clarified they did not audit every individual governing board or speak to every Chair of Governors.

The response noted that other boards may also be effective but were not identified based on the evidence presented to the consultants.

5th October 2020
30th October 2020
5th November 2020
1501165
9 November 2020
23 November 2020
1550777
page 53
two schools
one or two notable exceptions


Covid-19 cancellations


Anxiety Medication Prescriptions

Summary: The Department of Health and Social Care provided a complete dataset of anxiety medication prescriptions in the Isle of Man from 2017 to 2020, detailing item counts and costs for both GP and hospital settings.

The request covered anxiety medication prescriptions from January 1, 2017, to the most recent available figures in 2020.

Data was disclosed for 24 specific chemical substances including Diazepam, Pregabalin, and Sertraline.

The response distinguishes between prescriptions issued by GP practices and those issued by hospitals.

2020 data represents only 8 months of the calendar year.

Pregabalin accounted for the highest net ingredient cost in GP prescriptions in 2017 at over £518,000.

£1,103,185 total GP net ingredient cost in 2017


Referrals

Summary: The requester asked for annual school referral data to mental health services from 2016 to 2020, and the Department of Education provided partial figures while noting that not all schools maintain such records.

The Department of Education does not hold complete data as not all schools keep records of annual referrals.

Collating the missing data would require searching individual pupil files, which is exempt under Section 8(3) of the FOI Act 2015.

The Department advised that the Department of Health and Social Care (CAMHS) may hold more comprehensive data.

An updated response was issued on 21 December 2020 after receiving data from the majority of schools.

One school's response was outstanding at the time of the initial response but included in the update.

Section 8(3) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (no requirement to create, derive, research, analyze, or substantially compile information)


Tree felling licences 2014 to present day

Summary: The requester sought full written details and pictorial diagrams for two specific tree felling licences issued in 2014 and 2015 for potential use in legal proceedings. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture responded by enclosing copies of the requested information, confirming that all data was released.

The request concerned tree felling licences 175/14 and 410/15 issued to Sandygate House.

The information was requested for use during legal proceedings.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture released all requested information.

The response included copies of the documents with written details and diagrams.

The request was closed on 24th November 2020.


Explosive disposals

Summary: The request sought data on the number and cost of explosive device disposals on the Isle of Man over the past three years. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed that there were six incidents, with no cost for specialist teams but a total of £1,281.30 paid for Coastguard cover.

There were six incidents requiring specialist disposal of discarded explosive devices in the three years prior to November 2020.

The Department of Infrastructure incurred no costs for the travel or expenses of the Royal Logistics Corps EOD teams.

Total costs for Coastguard personnel cover across all incidents amounted to £1,281.30.

Two incidents in January 2019 incurred no additional Coastguard costs as they were handled during routine patrols.

One incident in May 2020 required no scene guard but involved Coastguard assistance with access and equipment.


Explosive disposals

Summary: The Isle of Man Constabulary responded to a request regarding the number of explosive disposal incidents and associated costs over the past three years, disclosing 12 incidents and a total cost of £2,303.34.

There were 12 incidents involving discarded or suspected explosive devices requiring specialist disposal in the three years prior to the request.

The Constabulary often works in partnership with the Coastguard for these deployments.

Most costs incurred were for police overtime, with no other charges levied except for one specific incident.

The incident on 08/11/2020 incurred an extra cost due to an overnight stay necessitated by COVID-19 restrictions.

Some incidents resulted in zero cost because no Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was deployed.


Full Pension and Reserves Investment Breakdown

Summary: A request was made for a full breakdown of investments in the National Insurance Investment Account, Public Service Employees Pension Reserve, and government reserves to assess transparency and ethics. The Treasury refused to disclose the information, citing that doing so would prejudice the effective conduct of public business during an upcoming tender for investment managers.

The Treasury does not select specific holdings; third-party discretionary investment managers decide based on agreed mandates.

Disclosure was refused under Section 35 of the FOI Act 2015 (conduct of public business).

The Treasury is scheduled to commence a tender exercise for investment management services within weeks of the response.

Releasing portfolio details could damage the Treasury's credibility and deter investment managers from applying to the tender.

Previous FOI requests regarding fossil fuels, pension funds, and armaments corroborated the position that portfolio details are not made public.


Subsidies to Loganair

Summary: The request sought details on subsidies paid to Loganair since March 2020, to which the Treasury confirmed it made no direct payments but approved up to £2.65 million for the Department of Infrastructure to pay, while withholding confirmation of actual disbursements by other authorities.

The Treasury made no direct or indirect payments to Loganair between 1 March 2020 and 11 November 2020.

The Treasury approved expenditure of up to £2,650,676 by the Department of Infrastructure for subsidies to Loganair.

The Treasury cannot confirm the actual amount paid by the Department of Infrastructure to the airline.

Information regarding expenditure by other public authorities is withheld under Schedule 1, paragraph 8 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

The request was received on 13 November 2020 and the response was issued on 17 December 2020.

Schedule 1, paragraph 8 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (information held of Government's Financial Accounting System relating to expenditure by another public authority)


KS4 2019-20 Level 1 & 2 Qualification Attainment and Allied Data


Recruitment

Summary: The Isle of Man Post Office responded to a request for job vacancies advertised since August 14, 2020, by disclosing a list of eight specific roles including their contract types and hours.

The request was received on 2020-11-16 and the response was issued on 2020-11-25.

All requested information regarding job titles, contract types, and hours was provided.

Vacancies included temporary post persons, project support officers, cleaners, and casual staff.

Some roles were advertised with specific dates in October and November 2020, while others had no advertised date listed.

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


HR Professionals

Summary: A request was made to the Isle of Man Post Office regarding HR qualifications, funding, and disciplinary actions within their department. The authority confirmed that most staff hold CIPD memberships, which are fully funded, and stated that no disciplinary action has been taken in the last three years.

Four members of the HR team hold CIPD Associate membership, while the fifth is studying for it.

One HR qualification was funded by the IOMPO in the last 5 years.

All annual CIPD memberships are funded by the IOMPO.

No disciplinary action has been taken against any HR department member in the last 3 years.


Cost of Maintenance of The Donkey Track/U72, Andreas

Summary: The Department of Infrastructure responded to a request for maintenance costs of The Donkey Track/U72 in Andreas, disclosing a detailed breakdown of labor and equipment expenses totaling £6,556.56 for works carried out in February 2019.

The request covered total expenditure and dates of maintenance works on The Donkey Track/U72.

The disclosed costs relate to a specific operation in February 2019 involving a 5-ton excavator and a Hiab.

The total running cost for the works was £6,556.56.

Labor costs were calculated at flat basic rates without profit or overheads.

The response included costs for a second visit to clear a soil bund stockpile.


FOI request number: 1522591

Summary: The request sought details on training providers, qualification dates, list availability, and usage of managers for return-to-work interviews. The authority disclosed that all 24 managers trained in late 2018 via the Lisa Lowe Centre, confirmed the list is unpublished, and stated these managers conduct return-to-work interviews.

The training provider was the Lisa Lowe Centre, now operating as Isle Listen.

All 24 managers completed their training in October and November 2018.

The list of trained managers is not published to staff.

Line managers are responsible for conducting return-to-work interviews for long-term sick staff.

The request was received on 17 November 2020 and closed on 25 November 2020.


Number of individuals in self-isolation

Summary: A request was made to the Department of Home Affairs for the number of individuals in self-isolation on the Isle of Man as of November 18, 2020. The authority responded that they do not hold this information and suggested contacting the Cabinet Office instead.

The Department of Home Affairs does not hold the requested information on self-isolation numbers.

The request was received on 18 November 2020 and responded to on 20 November 2020.

The authority suggested the requester contact the Cabinet Office for potential assistance.

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

18 November 2020
20 November 2020
1564409
Wednesday 18th November


Processing and Handling of FOI Request 1538749

Summary: The requester sought internal correspondence and draft responses regarding a previous FOI request (1538749) submitted to the Department of Health and Social Care. The authority disclosed the requested information with redactions applied to third-party personal data.

The request was received on 19 November 2020 and responded to on 11 December 2020.

The response included 2 pages across 1 document.

Third-party information was redacted as it constituted personal data.

The request specifically excluded the actual response published on the FOI Disclosure Log.

The authority is the Department of Health and Social Care on the Isle of Man.

Section 25 of the Act (absolutely exempt personal information)


Government payments to the Media

Summary: A request was made to the Department of Health and Social Care for details on government payments to media organizations since March 2020. The department responded that it does not hold this information and suggested contacting the Cabinet Office instead.

The request was received on 20 November 2020.

The Department of Health and Social Care does not hold the requested information.

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

Applicants are advised to re-submit the request to the Cabinet Office.

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


Media

Summary: The request sought the total amount of money paid by the Isle of Man Treasury to specific media organizations since the March 2020 state of emergency. The Treasury disclosed full payment details for the period between March 16 and November 26, 2020, revealing significant funding for Manx Radio and Mannin Media while others received nothing.

The Treasury made payments to media organizations between March 16 and November 26, 2020.

Manx Radio received the largest payment of £1,147,252.96, covering subvention and minor capital works.

Mannin Media received £28,104.24 during the specified period.

Isle of Man Newspapers received a payment of £3,039.50.

3FM, Energy FM, and Gef the Mongoose received £0.00 in payments.


Number of individuals in self-isolation

Summary: The requester asked for the number of individuals in self-isolation on the Isle of Man as of November 18, 2020. The Cabinet Office disclosed that 1,000 individuals were in self-isolation, explicitly noting this figure excludes anyone under the age of 18.

The request was received by the Cabinet Office on November 20, 2020.

The response was issued on November 25, 2020.

The data provided covers the status as of Wednesday, November 18, 2020.

The reported number of individuals in self-isolation is 1,000.

The figure of 1,000 excludes all individuals under the age of 18.


Onchan Polling Cards

Summary: A request was made regarding the Isle of Man Post Office's error in printing Onchan Polling Cards, seeking details on reprint costs, staff time, management time, and disciplinary actions. The authority disclosed the time spent and confirmed no disciplinary action was taken, but withheld the specific reprint cost citing commercial sensitivity.

The Isle of Man Post Office admitted to incorrectly printing Onchan Polling Cards.

7.25 hours of staff time were spent correcting the error.

Up to 30 minutes of management time were spent correcting the error.

No disciplinary action was taken against the individuals involved.

The cost of the reprint was withheld as commercially sensitive information.

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


Civil defence

Summary: The requester asked for the number of Civil Defence call-outs over the past three years and whether any lives were saved. The Department of Home Affairs disclosed the total number of call-outs but stated it is not possible to quantify the number of lives saved directly resulting from their intervention.

Civil Defence had a total of 67 call-outs between November 2017 and November 2020.

Call-outs included requests for equipment, search teams for missing persons, and emergency responses.

The authority cannot establish how many lives were saved as a direct result of Civil Defence intervention.

Civil Defence volunteers provide both hill search and urban search teams.

The role of Civil Defence is to support emergency services and respond to civil requests for assistance.


Key worker exemption certificates

Summary: The request sought to identify which departments were responsible for wording, vetting, and amending Key Worker Exemption certificates issued in June 2020, specifically regarding the 'Jersey businessmen' case. The Cabinet Office responded that it issued the documents with input from relevant departments and confirmed that wording changes were made on 18 June 2020.

The Cabinet Office issued Key Worker Exemption documents with input from relevant departments.

The Cabinet Office issued the documents on behalf of the relevant departments for vetting purposes.

The Chief Minister described the original exemptions issued to four Jersey businessmen as not fit for purpose.

Wording changes to the exemption documents were implemented on 18 June 2020.

The Information Commissioner's Office outcome for this case was 'Not upheld'.

1568637
2020-11-23
2020-12-21
27 November 2020
18 June 2020
June 2020
4 men
Emergency Powers Act 1936
Freedom of Information Act 2015


MBA Qualifications

Summary: The request sought details on MBA support provided by the Isle of Man Post Office over the last decade, including staff numbers, retention, and costs. The authority disclosed that two staff members were supported, one remains employed, and the total financial cost was £79,500 plus National Insurance, with no additional paid time off costs.

Two staff members were supported through MBA programmes over the last 10 years.

Only one of the supported staff members is still employed by the IOMPO.

The Isle of Man Government paid the MBA fees contingent on continued employment.

The total financial cost to the IOMPO was £79,500 plus associated National Insurance costs.

No additional costs were incurred for paid time off as these were anticipated within the graduate employment period.