DHSC Annual Complaints Report 2017-2020

Summary: The requester asked for clarification on Nobles Hospital complaint figures, specifically regarding 'simple complaints' logged as concerns, and requested copies of DHSC policies and IRB report follow-ups. The authority responded by providing the full 'Complaints Policy and Guidance' document, which defines the distinction between formal complaints and informal concerns, but the provided text cuts off before answering the specific statistical questions or detailing IRB follow-up procedures.

Nobles Hospital recorded 196 complaints in 2017/18, 226 in 2018/19, and 227 in 2019/20.

Simple complaints resolvable within 5 working days are logged as 'concerns' rather than formal complaints under the Hospitals Directorate.

The DHSC policy defines a 'Concern/Informal Complaint' as an issue with potential to become formal but resolved informally with priority.

The Independent Review Body (IRB) reported in 2019/20 that local resolution for complex cases was less effective and file management was incomplete.

The provided response document was last reviewed in November 2018 and ratified by Cath Quilliam.


Criminal Investigation Involving Isle of Man Judiciary

No information sent - all held but exempt

Summary: A request was made for details regarding the transfer of an ongoing criminal investigation involving the Isle of Man Judiciary to the United Kingdom Crown. The Attorney General's Chambers refused to disclose any information, citing exemptions related to ongoing criminal proceedings.

The request concerns crime number XXXXXXXXXX logged on 26/11/2019.

The investigation is described as live and ongoing.

The request sought confirmation if the UK Crown took over the investigation and the date of transfer.

The request asked for correspondence leading to the decision to transfer the case.

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

Section 31(1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Investigations and proceedings conducted by public authorities)


Agreements, Communications and Payments to/with Logainair

Summary: The requester sought agreements, communications, and payment details regarding Loganair's air services and financial assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed specific contracts and email correspondence but withheld details of sums paid due to statutory exemptions.

The request was received on 24 November 2020 and responded to on 26 January 2021.

Disclosed documents include Heads of Terms dated 23 March 2020 and a contract dated 30 November 2020.

An additional contract extending the original term was signed on 1 December 2020.

Email correspondence between the Department's CEO and the Treasury's CFO was released.

Details of specific sums of money paid to Loganair were withheld under exemptions.

24 November 2020
26 January 2021
23 March 2020
30 November 2020
1 December 2020
July 1st 2020
11 October 2011
20 working days
section 30(2)(b)
section 35(c)

Freedom of Information Act 2015 section 30(2)(b)

Freedom of Information Act 2015 section 35(c)


Provision of Court ordered probation services

Summary: A request was made to the Department of Home Affairs regarding statistics on court-ordered alcohol awareness courses, including pending attendees, past completion rates, and future planning. The authority disclosed that 255 people are currently required to attend, 32 people have attended 3 courses since November 2019, and 4 courses are planned for the following 12 months.

255 people are currently required to attend the alcohol awareness course but have not yet done so.

Some of the 255 pending attendees have moved off the island or declined to attend.

Since 1st November 2019, 3 courses have been held with 32 attendees.

From 1st November 2020, 4 courses are planned for the next 12 months.

Additional courses will be facilitated if demand exceeds the current plan.


Summary: The requester asked for the identity of an independent barrister and correspondence regarding a criminal investigation involving the Isle of Man Judiciary. The Attorney General's Chambers refused to disclose any information, citing exemptions related to ongoing criminal proceedings and potential prejudice to the investigation.

The request concerns a criminal investigation involving the Isle of Man Judiciary.

The Attorney General's Chambers determined that the file of evidence would be sent to an independent barrister to mitigate conflict of interest.

No information was released as all requested data was held but exempt.

The authority stated that releasing information could prejudice the independent advice on a charging decision.

The requester was advised they could submit a Data Subject Access Request for personal information.

Section 31(1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (prejudice to criminal investigations and proceedings)


2020 NHT Survey Report

Summary: The requester asked for the full 2020 NHT Survey Report including methodology and all associated contracts and invoices. The Department of Infrastructure provided the requested documents as two appendices, noting that third-party personal data and signatures were redacted.

The request was received on 2020-11-24 and responded to on 2020-11-27.

The authority responded with two appendices addressing the survey report and financial documents respectively.

Personal data of third parties, including signatures, was redacted from the released documents.

The Department of Infrastructure is located at Sea Terminal Building, Douglas.

Redaction of personal data of third parties


Mercedes

Summary: The request sought the Department of Infrastructure's agreement with Mercedes-Benz and results of bike rack trials on buses. The agreement was withheld due to commercial confidentiality and trade secrets, while the bike rack trial results were disclosed via a statement explaining the trial's termination due to safety concerns.

The Mercedes-Benz agreement is exempt under sections 26 and 30 of the FOI Act due to breach of confidence and trade secrets.

Disclosing the agreement could lead to litigation and loss of the Department's status as an Authorised Repairer.

A trial of bike racks on single-decker buses was terminated before public service operation.

The Chief Executive concluded the racks were unsafe for the Island's restricted, right-hand drive roads.

The Department is considering alternative methods to encourage bus and bike travel, such as racks at major stops.

Section 26 (Actionable breach of confidence)

Section 30 (Prejudice to commercial interests)


planning enforcement officer's site notes

Summary: The requester asked for site notes and measurements taken by a Planning Enforcement Officer at a vacant plot in Port St Mary on 11 June 2020. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture confirmed that all requested information was sent.

The request concerned site notes from a vacant plot at Gelling's Avenue, Port St Mary.

The site measurement was conducted by a Planning Enforcement Officer on 11 June 2020.

The authority responded that all information was sent.

The request was received on 26 November 2020 and closed on 18 December 2020.

The response included standard information regarding the right to a review and alternative dispute resolution.


Request for copies of the ACMD Annual Reports

Summary: The requester asked for ACMD Annual Reports from 2013 to 2020, but the Department of Health and Social Care refused the request stating they do not hold the information.

The Department of Health and Social Care does not hold the requested ACMD Annual Reports.

The information is held by Public Health within the Cabinet Office.

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

The request was received on 2020-11-30 and the outcome was issued on 2020-12-23.

The requester cited the Misuse of Drugs Act 1976 as the basis for the reports' existence.

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


Campsite funding for covid-19

Summary: The requester asked for statistics on permanent and temporary campsites receiving or not receiving COVID-19 financial assistance from the Department for Enterprise. The authority disclosed that zero temporary campsites received funding because they are ineligible, while noting there are 25 registered temporary campsites.

Zero temporary campsites received financial assistance under COVID-19 support schemes.

Temporary campsites are explicitly ineligible for financial assistance administered by the Department for Enterprise.

There are currently 25 registered temporary campsites on the Isle of Man.

The request was received on 2020-11-30 and closed on 2020-12-22.

The response did not provide specific figures for permanent campsites, only addressing the temporary campsite queries.


GP private consultation in regard to prescribing Cannabis to patients

Summary: The requester asked for information regarding a government consultation with GPs on prescribing medicinal cannabis. The Department of Health and Social Care disclosed the content of an email sent to GPs and the resulting survey responses indicating low interest in prescribing.

An email was sent to GPs on 1st December 2020 to gauge interest in prescribing NICE approved medicinal cannabis.

GPs were informed that prescribing would require registration on the 'specialist register' with the GMC.

A total of 19 responses were received from GPs within two weeks of the email.

17 GPs stated they would not be interested in prescribing medicinal cannabis.

2 GPs expressed interest in undertaking the prescribing of medicinal cannabis.

1st December 2020
15th December 2020
19 Responses
17 GPs
2 GPs
2019
1584097


Buildings considered suitable for protected building status in Ramsey

Summary: The requester asked for a list of 47 buildings in Ramsey identified as potential protected structures but not yet registered. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture refused to disclose the information, citing exemptions related to cultural heritage and the fact that similar data is already publicly available in other local plans.

The request concerns buildings in Ramsey with potential for protected status that are not currently on the register.

A previous FOI response confirmed there are 47 such properties or groups of properties in Ramsey.

Consultancy reports regarding these properties date back almost 20 years.

The Department withheld the list under Section 37, arguing disclosure would prejudice cultural heritage.

The Department also cited Section 20, noting that similar information is publicly available in Area and Local Plans for other regions like Onchan and Braddan.

Section 37 (Research and Natural Resources)

Section 20 (Information already available to the public)


IOM Primary Schools - Overweight and Obese Pupil Data

Summary: The requester sought primary school pupil obesity data for years 2015-2020 and benchmarking figures, but the Department of Health and Social Care refused the request stating they do not hold the information.

The Department of Health and Social Care does not hold the requested data on overweight and obese pupils.

The information is held by Public Health within the Cabinet Office.

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

The request referenced previous data provided in a House of Keys answer from June 2018.

The requester was advised to re-submit the request to Public Health.


Consultation regarding GPs prescribing Cannabis

Summary: The requester asked for details regarding an internal consultation with GPs about prescribing medical cannabis, specifically seeking the number of participants, questions asked, and responses. The Department of Health and Social Care disclosed the full content of the consultation email, the voting results, and specific feedback comments from the GPs.

The consultation was conducted via email sent to GPs on 1st December 2020.

A total of 19 responses were received within two weeks.

2 GPs expressed interest in prescribing medicinal cannabis.

Respondents cited NICE guidance requiring doctors to be on the specialist register, excluding standard GP registration.


Waste disposal and treatment

Summary: A request was made for planning rules, waste storage regulations, and licensing details regarding the Middle Incinerator site and hazardous waste removal. The authority responded by disclosing the full text of the Collection and Disposal of Waste Regulations 2000, which defines waste categories and licensing requirements.

The response includes Statutory Document No. 696/00, the Collection and Disposal of Waste Regulations 2000.

The regulations were approved by Tynwald on 22nd November 2000 and came into operation on 1st December 2000.

Asbestos, mineral or synthetic oil, and clinical waste are explicitly excluded from being treated as household waste.

The regulations define 'controlled waste' as household, industrial, and commercial waste.

Waste from mines, quarries, and premises used for agriculture is excluded from the definition of waste in these regulations.


Summary: The request sought BMI data for overweight and obese Reception pupils across Isle of Man primary schools for academic years 2015-16 through 2019-20, along with benchmarking data. The Cabinet Office disclosed detailed statistics for the 2015-16 and 2017-18 academic years but indicated that not all requested information was held.

The request was redirected from the Department of Health and Social Care to Public Health within the Cabinet Office.

Data was provided for Reception class pupils broken down by school and gender for 2015-16 and 2017-18.

The response explicitly states that some information was not held, specifically regarding benchmarking against other jurisdictions and data for other year groups.

Ballaugh school recorded the highest combined overweight and obese percentage (80.0%) for Reception pupils in 2015-16.

Jurby school recorded 100.0% of male Reception pupils as overweight in 2015-16.


Pupil Behaviour and Suspensions IOM Secondary Schools

Department of Education, Sport and Culture

Summary: The request sought detailed pupil suspension data for Isle of Man secondary schools from 2013 to 2019, including breakdowns by duration and reason. The Department of Education provided raw suspension day counts and duration statistics for all requested years but confirmed that suspension rates for 2017-2019 were not held.

Suspension data was provided for five secondary schools: BHS, CRHS, QEII, RGS, and SNHS.

The Department does not hold suspension rates for the years 2017, 2018, and 2019.

Total suspension days for all secondary schools increased from 659 in 2013 to 1187 in 2017.

Data for 2018 and 2019 was provided broken down by individual school.

The response included specific counts for 1-day, 2-day, 3-day, and 4+ day suspensions.


Information

Summary: The requester asked for the number of Isle of Man Constabulary dog handlers currently qualified to handle drug detection dogs. The authority disclosed that there are currently two qualified handlers, with plans to increase this number to three in 2021.

There are currently 2 dog handlers with relevant and up-to-date qualifications for drug detection.

The Constabulary plans to increase the number of qualified handlers to 3 in 2021.

All dog training is currently conducted on the Isle of Man due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Training is carried out in accordance with ACPO guidelines.

The request was received on 7 December 2020 and responded to on 15 December 2020.


Accidents caused by road defects

Summary: The request sought statistics on road traffic collisions in the Isle of Man between 2018 and 2020, specifically those caused by poor road conditions. The Constabulary disclosed total collision figures for the period but noted that only one incident was identified where road surface defects were a contributory factor.

Total road traffic collisions were 818 in 2018, 738 in 2019, and 516 in 2020 (up to Dec 13).

Only one collision in the reviewed period was attributed to poor road conditions such as potholes or uneven surfaces.

The single identified incident occurred in 2018 and involved a loss of traction on a manhole cover.

Data limitations exist as contributory factors are not always recorded for damage-only collisions.

Keyword searches for 'pot', 'hole', 'road surface', and 'uneven' were conducted on investigation summaries.


MBA Qualifications

Summary: The request sought information regarding MBA repayment obligations for a former employee and the current grade of an employed staff member at the Isle of Man Post Office. The authority confirmed that no repayment was required due to government funding and verified that the remaining staff member holds a grade 9 or above position.

The Isle of Man Government paid the MBA programme fees for the staff member.

The funding condition required IOMPO to employ the staff member during their study period.

The staff member who left was not required to repay any costs associated with the MBA.

The staff member still employed by IOMPO is at grade 9 or above.

The request was formally closed on 24 December 2020.


Average Salary

Summary: The Isle of Man Post Office responded to a request for staff employment figures and average salary breakdowns, disclosing the Full-time Equivalent (FTE) count and detailed remuneration costs per employee as of November 2020.

The total number of staff employed using a Full-time Equivalent (FTE) calculation is 286.83.

The average salary of an IOMPO FTE staff member is £30,976.82 per annum.

The average pension cost per FTE staff member is £3,113.40 per annum.

Additional allowances, remuneration, and overtime costs average £1,029.07 per FTE staff member per annum.

The average Employer's National Insurance cost per FTE staff member is £4,005.61 per annum.


Number of People on Isle of Man Social Security Benefits


Policy Query

Summary: The requester asked if the Cabinet Office's anti-bullying policy applies to the Isle of Man Post Office (IOMPO). The authority confirmed that the policy does not extend to IOMPO, as they have their own separate HR policies and procedures.

The Office of Human Resources does not provide HR services to the Isle of Man Post Office (IOMPO).

IOMPO does not use the Cabinet Office's Prevention of Bullying, Harassment and Victimisation at Work Policy.

IOMPO has its own specific policy in place regarding bullying and harassment.

Requests for information on IOMPO policies should be directed to IOMPO Human Resources or their FOI Coordinators.

The request was closed on 14 December 2020 with all information sent.


Planning Committee Member Interests

Summary: The request sought copies of the Planning Committee Members Register of Interests, and the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture disclosed the full registration details for members Belinda Pilling and Peter Young.

Belinda Pilling declared interests including membership in Magistrates, Manx National Heritage, and ownership of a residential property at 2 Fairway Drive, Port Erin.

Peter Young is the owner and director of Event Management Solutions Ltd and Chairman of the Sound Check charity.

Peter Young disclosed government contracts with Manx National Heritage, Culture Vannin, and DEFA for event management and venue hire services.

Both members declared no gifts, hospitality, or travel expenses under Category 6.

The response documents were signed and dated in November 2020.


On-street parking control

Summary: The request sought details on parking enforcement visits, ticket numbers, and authorized agencies in Ramsey between June and November 2020. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed that while exact visit durations are not recorded, at least eight visits occurred, six tickets were issued, and three agencies are authorized to enforce parking rules.

The Department does not retain historical records of visit durations to specific locations.

Parking enforcement visits to Parliament Street/Bourne Place occurred on at least eight specific dates.

Six fixed penalty notices were issued for exceeding parking time limits during the requested period.

Three agencies are authorized to issue parking fines: Department of Infrastructure, IoM Constabulary, and Ramsey Town Commissioners.

Enforcement activity was reduced in June, July, and August 2020 due to COVID-19 and the sensitive nature of the issue.


Complaints about midwives on the ward

Summary: A request was made to the Department of Health and Social Care for the number of complaints regarding midwives' conduct or attitude on the Jane Crookall Maternity Unit in 2020. The authority disclosed that there were 3 such complaints, all of which were addressed at the time.

The request concerned complaints about midwives on the Jane Crookall Maternity Unit.

The scope of the request covered the year 2020 and complaints made at any level by any person.

There were 3 complaints recorded regarding the attitude of midwives up to 22 December 2020.

All identified complaints were addressed with the individuals concerned at the time they were made.

The response was issued by the Interim Chief Executive, Kathryn Magson.


Spend local media campaign

Summary: A request was made for a total spend and breakdown of media outlets for the 'Shop Local' campaign, but the Department for Enterprise partially withheld the information citing commercial interests.

The request was received on 2020-12-14 and responded to on 2021-01-11.

The authority handling the request was the Department for Enterprise.

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

The department determined that protecting commercial interests outweighed the public interest in disclosure.

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

Protection of commercial interests of the private sector

Protection of commercial interests of the public sector


Reports of damp in public sector housing

Summary: The requester asked for the number of damp reports in public sector housing over the past five years. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed data only for the current financial year, citing the inability to manually compile historical records without substantial effort.

Historical data for the past five years was not provided because it would require manually checking hundreds of individual maintenance reports.

A new recording system implemented in April 2020 allows for automatic searching of maintenance reports.

The response covers only public sector housing owned by the Department of Infrastructure, excluding Local Authority properties.

All reported damp issues in the current period have been addressed and treated where found.

The request was formally closed on 29 January 2021.

13 properties
1,260 public sector properties
14 December 2020
29 January 2021
April 2020
1600949

Substantial compilation or collation of information exemption under the Freedom of Information Act 2015


Minimum Standards for Public Sector Landlords

Summary: The requester asked for the minimum standards applied to public sector landlords, and the Department of Infrastructure disclosed its specific compliance checks and operational policies for its own housing stock while noting it could not provide data for other providers.

The Department of Infrastructure adheres to annual gas boiler servicing under The Gas Safety (installation and use) Regulations 1998.

Annual oil boiler servicing is conducted in accordance with OFTEC recommendations.

Electrical checks are performed every five years in line with BS 7671 IET Wiring Regulations 2018.

Operational standards include void and re-let policies and property audits, which are best practice rather than statutory requirements.

The Department cannot provide information regarding properties owned by Local Authorities or other housing providers.


Public landlords eviction or failed to house requests

Summary: The requester asked for data on public sector landlord evictions and failures to house applicants over five years. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed that 7 evictions occurred and 16 applications were refused due to ineligibility.

The Department of Infrastructure collects quarterly data from all public sector housing providers.

Seven evictions were carried out by public sector landlords in the last five years.

Public sector housing allocation follows a Tynwald approved all-island policy.

Sixteen applications were refused between January 2016 and January 2021 based on ineligibility.

No specific reasons for individual evictions were provided in the response.

7 evictions
16 applications refused
January 2016
January 2021
5 years
14 December 2020
29 January 2021


Do public sector landlords currently PAT test?

Summary: The requester asked if public sector landlords on the Isle of Man currently PAT test movable electric devices. The Department of Infrastructure confirmed it tests white goods in 5 semi-furnished properties but stated it holds no data regarding other public sector landlords.

The Department of Infrastructure acts as a public sector landlord for residential properties.

PAT testing is conducted by the Department only when white goods are supplied within properties.

This testing is currently limited to 5 semi-furnished properties.

The Department does not hold data on PAT testing practices for other public sector landlords on the Island.

Requesters are advised to contact other public sector landlords directly for information.


Prosecutions

Summary: The requester asked for statistics on court appearances and sentencing for breaches of Emergency Powers Regulations since March 2020. The Department of Home Affairs responded that they do not hold this information and suggested contacting the Court General Registry instead.

The request was received on 14 December 2020.

The response was issued on 15 December 2020.

The Department of Home Affairs does not hold the requested prosecution data.

The authority recommended contacting the Court General Registry for the information.

The request covers breaches of Emergency Powers Regulations since 27 March 2020.


Travel Notification Service Open Data

Summary: The requester sought clarification on whether the 'Age, Gender, Travel History' open data file represented daily entry figures for the Isle of Man. The Cabinet Office responded that the data actually shows cumulative COVID-19 positive cases broken down by age, gender, and travel history, not the number of people entering the island.

The requested dataset is titled 'Age, Gender, Travel History'.

Columns B to G show cumulative COVID cases by age range.

Columns H and I show cumulative COVID cases by gender.

Columns J and K show cumulative COVID cases by travel history.

The data does not record the number of people entering the island on any given day.


Independence of the Independent Review Body for health complaints Part 1

Summary: The requester asked the Department of Health and Social Care to classify the Independent Review Body (IRB) as a public body and provide correspondence regarding its independence from the Tynwald Ombudsman. The authority responded that the requested information is not held.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) stated it does not hold the information requested.

Minister Ashford previously advised Tynwald that DHSC cannot instruct or influence the IRB.

The IRB claims in its public leaflet that it is not part of the Government or the Isle of Man NHS.

The current DHSC CEO advised the Tynwald Ombudsman that the IRB falls outside its jurisdiction.

Previous DHSC CEOs had advised that the IRB did fall within the Tynwald Ombudsman's remit.


Independence of the Independent Review Body for health complaints Part 2

Summary: The request sought details on consultations regarding NHS Regulations 2004, public consultation intentions, and specific information about a complaints training program initiated in December 2020. The authority responded that not all information was held, providing instead a generic medico-legal guide on the NHS complaints procedure in England rather than Isle of Man-specific documents.

Minister Ashford stated the Department of Health and Social Care cannot instruct or influence the Independent Review Body (IRB).

The IRB is described as totally independent from the Department of Health and Social Care, except for funding.

The IRB explicitly states in their public leaflet that they are not part of the Government or the Isle of Man NHS.

The response provided a guide based on the NHS complaints procedure introduced in England on 1 April 2009.

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

15th December 2020
9th December 2020
1 April 2009
NHS Regulations 2004
Freedom of Information Act 2000
16 years old
three working days
one working day
48 pages
4 documents


Abortions

Summary: The request sought monthly abortion statistics for 2020 and details on off-island travel requirements. The authority disclosed the total number of terminations for the year and the clinical pathway for travel but withheld monthly breakdowns and specific locations to protect patient confidentiality.

There were 123 terminations carried out on the Isle of Man between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020.

The majority of these procedures occurred before 10 weeks of pregnancy.

Monthly breakdowns and specific location data were withheld to prevent individual identification.

Patients under 10 weeks are treated at the local Nobles Hospital clinic.

Patients over 10 weeks or those requesting surgical abortions are referred to UK clinics to maintain confidentiality.

Section 26 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Actionable breach of confidence)


Strategic Capacity Scheme

Summary: The requester asked for details on personnel, beneficiary lists, and specific funding allocations for the Strategic Capacity Scheme and the Department for Enterprise during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authority confirmed that no specific additional budget or overtime funds were allocated to the department, that beneficiary lists are not required to be published, and provided links to complaints procedures.

The Strategic Capacity Scheme was developed jointly by Government Officers and Politicians from the Department for Enterprise and Treasury.

The Scheme does not require the Department to publish details of beneficiaries for public scrutiny.

No specific additional budget was allocated to the Department for Enterprise or Visit Isle of Man for COVID-19.

Business support schemes for travel and tourism were funded from the Coronavirus Contingency Fund.

No specific budget was allocated for overtime to Visit Isle of Man in 2020.


Steam Packet

Summary: The request sought details on Treasury payments to the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company since April 1, 2020, and their purpose. The Treasury disclosed a total payment of £5,263.02 made between April and December 2020 for repatriation travel warrants and an excise duty repayment.

The Treasury paid £5,263.02 to the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company between 1 April 2020 and 18 December 2020.

The funds were used for two travel warrants to assist individuals in repatriation to the UK.

The funds also covered a repayment of excise duty on hydrocarbon oil.

The invoices for the travel warrants were raised prior to 1 April 2020, though payment occurred in April 2020.

The repatriation payments relate to Section 124AB of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 or Section 3ZB of the Jobseekers Act 1995.

£5263.02
1 April 2020
18 December 2020
17 December 2020
23 December 2020
1609683
Section 124AB
Section 3ZB


High school student suspensions

Summary: The request sought a detailed breakdown of high school student suspensions for physical assault over three years, including gender and police involvement. The Department of Education provided total suspension counts and durations per school but withheld gender breakdowns and police investigation data as this information was not held.

The request covered the period from 2017 to 2019 for all Isle of Man high schools.

Data was provided for five schools: Ballakermeen, Castle Rushen, Queen Elizabeth, Ramsey Grammar, and St Ninian's.

The Department does not hold data on the gender of students suspended for physical assault.

Information regarding whether assaults were investigated by the IOM Constabulary is not held by the Department or schools.

The response cites Section 8(3) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 to refuse creating or deriving information.

Ballakermeen High School: 48 suspensions in 2017, 43 in 2018, 38 in 2019

Castle Rushen High School: 6 suspensions in 2017, 6 in 2018, 6 in 2019

Queen Elizabeth High School: 19 suspensions in 2017, 8 in 2018, 13 in 2019

Ramsey Grammar School: 16 suspensions in 2017, 7 in 2018, 7 in 2019

St Ninian's High School: 53 suspensions in 2017, 25 in 2018, 16 in 2019

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


Voluntary Landlord Registration Scheme

Summary: A request was made for a list of landlords registered on the Voluntary Landlord Registration Scheme with contact details, but the Department of Infrastructure refused to disclose the information.

The Voluntary Landlord Registration Scheme has been closed to allow for the development of a new scheme aligned with the proposed Landlord Registration Bill.

The Department of Infrastructure holds the requested information but refused to release it.

The refusal was based on the classification of the data as personal information of the landlords.

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

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

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

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


Exemptions

Summary: The requester asked if the Attorney General's Chambers provided advice on the wording of Key Worker Exemptions during the pandemic. The Cabinet Office responded that it does not hold the requested information, noting that the specific wording change in question did not require legal advice.

The Cabinet Office does not hold the information requested regarding advice on Key Worker Exemption wording.

The Attorney General's Chambers collaborated extensively with the Cabinet Office on various pandemic response aspects.

The specific change to the exemption certificate involved adding bold red text emphasizing self-isolation requirements.

This specific wording change was deemed not to require advice from the Attorney General's Chambers.

The request was closed on 4 February 2021.


Summary: The requester asked for ACMD annual reports from 2013 to 2020, but the Cabinet Office disclosed only the 2013 report as it is publicly available and confirmed that no separate reports were produced for subsequent years due to changes in the council's remit.

The last ACMD annual report was published in 2013.

No separate ACMD reports were produced between 2014 and 2020.

ACMD activities are now largely integrated into the Substance Misuse Strategy Steering Group.

A new report covering responses on industrial hemp and medicinal cannabis was scheduled for publication in 2021.

The 2013 report recommended not renewing the banning order on MDAI, which was later made illegal under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016.

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


IOM Schools Pupil Data 2020-21

Summary: The requester sought FSM, SEN, and EAL data for Isle of Man schools, receiving partial disclosure with EAL, FSM, and SEN counts provided, while percentage data was withheld as it was not held.

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture responded to the request on 20 January 2021.

Total EAL pupils across all listed schools was 744.

Ballakermeen had the highest number of EAL pupils with 199.

Percentage data for FSM, SEN, and EAL was not provided because the Department does not hold it in that format.

School roll data was directed to an existing public PDF rather than provided directly in the response.

Section 20 of the Act (information already reasonably accessible)

Section 8(3) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (no requirement to create or derive information)


Key Worker Pathways

Summary: The applicant requested all versions of Key Worker pathways, supporting policy documents, and evidence regarding their creation and approval since the March 2020 border closure. The Cabinet Office provided an application form but refused to supply previous pathway versions, citing that they are already publicly available via Emergency Regulations.

The request was received on 2020-12-23 and updated on 1 March 2021.

The Cabinet Office provided a copy of the application form for key workers.

Previous versions of Key Worker pathways were withheld as they are published in Emergency Regulations.

The authority cited section 20(2)(b) of the Act to refuse providing information already accessible online.

The case outcome was 'Not upheld' as of 2021-04-01.

s20(2)(b) of the Act (Information accessible to the applicant by other means)


Keyworker pathways

Summary: The requester asked for all documents, versions, and approval processes regarding Keyworker pathways for border exemptions during the pandemic. The Department of Health and Social Care responded that they do not hold the requested information, citing a practical refusal, but noted that the Cabinet Office likely holds the data and provided a specific risk mitigation pathway for health and social care workers.

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

The request was refused under Section 11(3)a of the Act as a practical refusal reason.

The Cabinet Office is identified as the authority that administers the Public Health Protection (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020 and likely holds the information.

The Department provided a specific Risk Mitigation Pathway for health and social care essential workers who cannot self-isolate.

The requester was advised to re-submit the request to Public Health within the Cabinet Office.

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


Desginations of Grenaby Garey Area

Summary: The request sought documents and meeting records regarding the three designations of the Grenaby Garey Area as an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) between 2018 and 2020. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture disclosed all requested information, including 227 pages across 5 documents containing landowner objections and internal meeting notes.

The Grenaby Garey Area was designated, re-designated, and re-designated again as an ASSI in November 2018, February 2020, and August 2020.

Landowners expressed strong objections to the designation, fearing a 50% drop in land value and loss of management control.

The Department clarified during meetings that the land was not yet officially designated and was in a pre-designation consultation phase.

Concerns were raised regarding the lack of an arbitration process or land court for disputes over ASSI designations.

The final response included 227 pages of documents and 5 separate files covering the decision-making process.

November 2018
February 2020
August 2020
2020-12-24
2021-02-16
227 pages
5 documents
50% land value drop
40 years old hedge
10 or 25 years sunset clause
69 Tenancies act
17 August 2018
13 May 2019


Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Men who have sex with Men (MSM) and blood donations.

Summary: The request sought the number of HIV-positive residents on the Isle of Man and the status of legislation regarding blood donations from men who have sex with men (MSM). The Department of Health and Social Care disclosed that 40 people are currently under care for HIV and confirmed that new testing protocols adopted recently will allow for a re-evaluation of MSM donation laws in 2021.

There are currently 40 people living with HIV under care in Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) on the Isle of Man.

The exact number of HIV-positive residents is difficult to determine as some individuals seek testing and care off-island.

The Isle of Man has recently adopted Nucleic Acid Tests for HIV, which were previously unavailable.

A departmental paper regarding MSM blood donation eligibility will be considered by the DHSC Executive Team during 2021.

The UK previously changed its MSM blood donation laws due to new testing protocols that the Isle of Man could not implement at the time.


external reviews

Summary: The requester asked for details on external reviews, benchmarking, and future plans for the Office of the Clerk of Tynwald over the last six financial years. The authority responded that no such external reviews were conducted and there are currently no plans for future reviews, resulting in an 'Information not held' outcome.

No formal or informal external reviews of the Office of the Clerk of Tynwald occurred in the most recent six financial years.

There are currently no plans for external reviews of the office.

The authority cannot provide information on which functions might be subject to future external reviews due to the lack of plans.

The request was received on 29 December 2020 and the response was issued on 25 January 2021.

The outcome of the request was classified as 'Information not held'.


Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Summary: A request was made to the Isle of Man Department of Health and Social Care for details on PPE spending, quantities, usage, and quality standards since the start of 2020. The authority disclosed the total cost, itemized quantities purchased and remaining, and confirmed that one delivery was rejected for not meeting standards.

The total cost of PPE purchased by the Department of Health and Social Care between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020, was £7,871,705 excluding VAT.

PPE purchased for pandemic response is not recorded separately from business-as-usual purchases.

The Department does not hold details on PPE purchased by other Government Departments, Boards, or Offices.

One delivery of PPE did not meet required standards and was returned before an invoice was submitted.

The Department maintains an operational position of keeping three months of stock at one point in time.

£7,871,705
1st January 2020
31st December 2020
1,677,560 Aprons
2,808,794 Gloves
332,126 Gowns
4,331,920 Masks
360,557 Visors
889,840 Aprons used
1,756,594 Gloves used
16,188 Gowns used
815,181 Masks used
43,947 Visors used
787,720 Aprons remaining
1,052,200 Gloves remaining
315,938 Gowns remaining
3,516,739 Masks remaining
316,610 Visors remaining
2021-01-25
2020-12-29


Suicides

Summary: A request for suicide statistics on the Isle of Man from 2016 to 2020 was partially fulfilled, as the Cabinet Office could not provide 2020 figures due to pending registrations and coding. The response disclosed available data categorized by year of registration and year of death for the period 2016 to 2019.

The Public Health Directorate could not supply 2020 suicide figures due to waiting on completion of registrations and coding.

Inquests can take up to 18 months to complete, causing discrepancies between year of death and year of registration.

The provided statistics cover deaths from suicide and injury of undetermined intent for ages 10+ and 15+ only.

Data is classified using ICD10 codes X60-X84 and Y10-Y34.

The Cabinet Office does not hold all the information requested for the full date range.

2016: 6 deaths (registration), 8 deaths (occurrence)

2017: 8 deaths (registration), 11 deaths (occurrence)

2018: 12 deaths (registration), 9 deaths (occurrence)

2019: 8 deaths (registration), 2 deaths (occurrence)


analogous terms and conditions

Summary: The requester asked if there is a shared understanding with trade unions regarding 'analogous terms and conditions' for public servants and whether harmonisation is expected. The Cabinet Office responded that no such shared understanding exists, as terms vary by individual contract, and there is no general expectation for harmonised conditions across the public sector.

There is no shared understanding with trade unions that standardised civil servant terms apply by analogy to other public servants.

Terms and conditions are determined by individual employment contracts which vary from one employee to another.

Trade union involvement depends on the existence of specific Recognition Agreements between the employer and the union.

Other public sector employers may choose to adopt IOMG corporate HR policies but are not required to do so.

There is no general expectation of harmonised terms and conditions throughout the Isle of Man public sector.


online services

Summary: The request sought details on Tynwald building closures during the pandemic, the strategic importance of online services, and 36 months of website statistics for Hansard and legislation. The authority provided monthly website usage data from November 2017 to December 2020 and internal emails regarding missing legislative documents, but did not fully address the qualitative assessment of the digitization effort or specific physical visitor statistics.

The Office of the Clerk of Tynwald released 65 pages across 3 documents in response to the request.

Website statistics were provided for a 36-month period from November 2017 to December 2020.

Internal emails from June 2017 discuss missing Government Circulars and Secondary Legislation instruments.

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

The request specifically asked for clarification on the exact dates of physical closure and reopening of parliament buildings.


Manx Solidarity Fund

Summary: The requester asked how much money the Department for Enterprise applied for, was granted, and used from the Manx Solidarity Fund. The authority responded that the department did not apply for any funds, meaning no money was granted or used.

The Department for Enterprise did not apply to the Manx Solidarity Fund.

No monetary amount was granted to the Department for Enterprise from the fund.

No money from the fund was used by the Department for Enterprise.

The request was received on 4 January 2021 and closed on 5 January 2021.

The response was issued by the Freedom of Information Co-ordinator at the Department for Enterprise.


Exemptions

Summary: The requester sought details on travel exemptions granted to companies, government departments, and statutory boards since March 2020. The Cabinet Office responded that the information is not held because exemptions are only issued to non-resident individuals, not organizations.

The request was received on 4 January 2021 and responded to on 11 February 2021.

The Cabinet Office does not hold the requested information regarding organizational exemptions.

Compassionate and contractual entry routes apply only to non-resident individuals.

No exemptions have been issued to companies, government departments, or statutory boards.

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


internships

Summary: The request sought all documentation regarding the development of internship policies and strategies at the Office of the Clerk of Tynwald, specifically focusing on a 2014 trial. The authority responded by disclosing 293 pages across two documents containing emails, meeting minutes, and proposals detailing the creation of a cost-neutral trainee position.

The Tynwald Management Committee agreed to replace a staff member going part-time with a full-time trainee on a cost-neutral basis.

A proposal was made in November 2013 to fund a one-year intern/trainee post using the remaining salary budget from a reduced contract.

The intern was intended to rotate through various departments including CIS, TAO, and Hansard to gain broad experience.

The initiative was delayed in early 2014 due to uncertainties in the Information Service but was subsequently progressed.

The response included details of a Civil Service Fast Track Apprenticeship Scheme offering an 18-month program and a level 4 qualification.


Tweet at https://twitter.com/iomgovernment/status/1345716330876567552

Summary: A requester asked for a copy of a specific Isle of Man Government tweet and all related correspondence, but the authority initially sought clarification because the provided link was non-existent. The case was ultimately resolved with the outcome 'All information sent' after the authority received the request on January 5, 2021, and responded on January 26, 2021.

The request was made to the Cabinet Office regarding a tweet at a specific Twitter URL.

The authority contacted the requester on January 7, 2021, stating the provided link did not exist and asking for more details.

The final outcome was recorded as 'All information sent'.

The response included 4 pages across 1 document.

The request was received on January 5, 2021, and the outcome date was January 26, 2021.


Tynwald Select Committee Report

Summary: The requester asked for amended NHS regulations incorporating 2006 Tynwald Select Committee recommendations, but the Cabinet Office confirmed the information is not held because the regulations have not been updated.

The request concerned the implementation of recommendations from Tynwald Select Committee Report 33/06 regarding the Independent Review Body.

The Council of Ministers Tynwald Policy Decisions Report 2014 listed these actions as implemented.

The Department of Health and Social Care advised that the regulations have not actually been updated.

The Cabinet Office does not hold the requested amended regulations or correspondence.

The request was formally closed on 27 January 2021.


All cause mortality numbers for last 10 years

Summary: A request was made for all-cause mortality figures for Manx residents from 2010 to 2020 with monthly breakdowns, but the Department of Health and Social Care refused to provide the data as they do not hold it.

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

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

The authority suggested re-submitting the request to Public Health within the Cabinet Office.

The request covered the period from 2010 to 2020 inclusive.


FOI request for foundation evidence

Summary: A requester asked the Attorney General's Chambers for scientific and legislative foundation evidence justifying the classification of cannabis as a Schedule 1 controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1976. The authority responded that the requested information is not held and cannot be found after taking reasonable steps.

The request was received on 2021-01-07 and the response was issued on 2021-01-20.

The requester sought evidence regarding cannabis classification under the UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.

The Attorney General's Chambers clarified the request on 2021-01-11 before issuing the final response.

The authority stated it does not hold the specific 'foundation evidence' requested.

The response references the Misuse of Drugs Act 1976 and the UN Bulletin on Narcotics.


Tele-psychiatry and Longitudinal Data

Summary: A request was made for longitudinal data on the uptake and efficacy of Kooth and Quell tele-psychiatry services during the pandemic, but the authority only provided general mental health referral statistics for 2020 as specific service data was not held.

The request was made on 2021-01-08 for data on Kooth and Quell services.

The Department of Health and Social Care responded on 2021-02-15 stating some information was sent but not all was held.

The response provided referral data for the period 01/01/2020 to 31/12/2020 instead of specific tele-psychiatry metrics.

Total mental health referrals for 2020 were 7,295 across various teams including ACUTE, CAMHS, and CMHSA.

Demographic breakdowns for age, gender, and ethnicity were provided for the 2020 referral data.


Coronavirus arrests and sentences in 2020.

Summary: A request was made for statistics on arrests, custodial sentences, and fixed penalty notices for Coronavirus Regulation breaches in the Isle of Man during 2020. The Department of Home Affairs disclosed the number of custodial sentences but stated it did not hold data on arrests or fixed penalty notices, directing the requester to other authorities.

The Department of Home Affairs does not hold information on the total number of persons arrested for Coronavirus Regulation breaches in 2020.

The Department of Home Affairs does not hold information on the total number of fixed penalty notices issued for Coronavirus Regulation breaches in 2020.

Information regarding arrests and fixed penalty notices may be held by the Isle of Man Constabulary or the General Registry.

The total number of persons who received a custodial sentence for breach of Coronavirus Regulations in the IOM during 2020 is 48.

The request was received on 2021-01-08 and the response was issued on 2021-01-20.

Information not held by the public authority


Flu vaccine 5 year uptake.

Summary: The request sought five years of flu vaccine uptake data for the Isle of Man, but the Cabinet Office only provided statistics for the 2019/2020 season, noting that not all requested information was held. The response includes detailed breakdowns by age group, risk category, and medical practice for October, November, and December 2019.

The authority stated that some information was sent but not all was held, limiting the data to the 2019/2020 flu season.

Overall flu vaccine uptake for the 65+ age group in the Isle of Man reached 51.2% by the end of December 2019.

Uptake for at-risk groups aged 18-64 was 60.1%, while uptake for at-risk children under 18 was significantly lower at 18.4%.

Pregnant women had a vaccination uptake rate of 45.5% by the end of December 2019.

Data was provided for 12 specific medical centres across the Isle of Man, showing varying uptake rates between practices.


2015 - 2020 deceased rates.

Summary: The requester asked for Isle of Man deceased rates from 2015 to 2020 broken down by year, month, gender, and age. The Cabinet Office provided total death registration data for males and females for the years 2016 to 2020 but stated they do not hold data grouped by month.

The request was received on 11 January 2021 and responded to on 5 February 2021.

The authority provided data for the period 2016-2020, not the full 2015-2020 range requested.

The Cabinet Office confirmed it does not hold death registration data grouped by month.

The provided data includes total deaths registered by gender (Male and Female).

The outcome of the request was classified as 'All information sent'.


Public Health Advice to DESC/Secondary Schools - External Examinations

Summary: The requester sought Public Health advice and correspondence regarding COVID-19 safety measures for students sitting external examinations during a lockdown. The Cabinet Office responded that it does not hold the requested information.

The request was made to the Cabinet Office on 2021-01-08.

The response was issued on 2021-01-27 with the outcome 'Information not held'.

The request covered advice on face coverings, social distancing, and exam room layouts for DESC and secondary schools.

The requester specifically asked for confirmation of safety for pupils sitting BTEC exams during a 21-day circuit breaker lockdown.

The Cabinet Office stated it does not possess the information requested.


indemnity insurance

Summary: The requester asked for documentation on internal discussions regarding indemnity insurance, funding strategies, and past claims for the Office of the Clerk of Tynwald. The authority responded that it does not hold the requested information, confirmed there are no funding strategies or past claims, and directed the requester to the Treasury for insurance policy details.

The Office of the Clerk of Tynwald does not hold documentation on internal discussions regarding indemnity insurance.

There is no specific funding strategy in relation to indemnity insurance held by the office.

There have been no claims made in relation to indemnity insurance.

The Personal Liability (Ministers, Members and Officers) Act 2007 specifically indemnifies the Clerk of Tynwald and officers.

General insurance policy information is held by the Treasury on behalf of all government departments.

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

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


FOI request for 2020 Data for Notifiable Diseases

Summary: A request was made for anonymised statistics on notifiable infectious diseases on the Isle of Man from 2015 to January 2021, specifically asking for COVID-19 to be segregated from other SARS cases. The Department of Health and Social Care refused the request stating they do not hold the information, noting it is held by the Cabinet Office instead.

The request was received on 2021-01-11 and the outcome was issued on 2021-01-28.

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

The information is held by Public Health within the Cabinet Office.

The request covered data from 2015 to January 2021.

The requester specifically asked for COVID-19 to be segregated from other forms of SARS.


Covid arrests and charges

Summary: The Isle of Man Constabulary responded to a request for statistics on arrests and charges related to breaches of the Emergency Powers Act during the pandemic, providing detailed breakdowns by age and residency status.

160 arrests were recorded for Covid-19 offences between March 20, 2020, and January 17, 2021.

83 of these arrests resulted in charges for Covid-19 offences.

16 of the 145 unique individuals arrested were non-residents.

The Constabulary does not hold data on whether non-residents possessed exemption certificates.

No arrests for Covid-19 offences were recorded for individuals over the age of 80.


Richmond Hill

Summary: A request was made for specialist reports, cost details, and correspondence regarding defective resurfacing work on Richmond Hill. The Department of Infrastructure responded with some information but withheld parts of the request under exemptions.

The request concerns loose chippings on Richmond Hill following resurfacing work.

The Department of Infrastructure engaged a specialist to assess the contractor's work.

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

The request was received on 2021-01-11 and the outcome was issued on 2021-01-29.

The response included 4 documents totaling 22 pages.


importattion of red necked wallabies

Summary: The requester asked if animal health legislation prohibits importing red-necked wallabies from the UK to the Isle of Man. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture confirmed no specific prohibition exists under animal health laws but noted that importation is currently impossible due to the lack of an agreed export certificate with the UK.

There are no regulations under animal health legislation specifically prohibiting the importation of red-necked wallabies from the UK.

Importation requires an export certificate issued by the exporting country in agreement with the Isle of Man.

There is currently no agreed export certificate between the Isle of Man and the United Kingdom.

Other legislation such as the Wild Animals (Restriction on Importation) Act 1980 and Endangered Species Act 2010 may determine if and how the animals can be kept.

The request was processed by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.


All cause mortality numbers for last 10 years (2010-2020 inclusive)

Summary: The requester asked for all-cause mortality figures for Manx residents from 2010 to 2020 with a monthly breakdown and cause grouping. The Cabinet Office provided data for 2010-2019 by year and cause but could not supply monthly data or 2020 figures as they were not yet coded.

The Cabinet Office does not hold monthly mortality data.

Mortality data for 2020 was not released because it had not yet been coded into causes.

The 2020 data was expected to be available in March 2021.

The response included mortality figures by year and causes for the period 2010-2019.

The request was received on 12 January 2021 and closed on 3 February 2021.


Loganair Subsidies

Summary: The requester asked for details on funding committed by the Department of Infrastructure to Loganair for 2021 to support new and former Flybe routes. The authority disclosed that no financial support was committed for these specific route developments, as the announcement was made at Loganair's own risk.

No funding was committed by the Department of Infrastructure to Loganair for the development of new routes or former Flybe routes in 2021.

The announcement regarding new routes was released by Loganair at its own risk.

Funding has been committed separately to support essential existing routes during the Coronavirus pandemic border restrictions.

Information regarding pandemic route support was previously disclosed in FOI request 151137 submitted in November 2020.


COVID tweet

Summary: A request was made for all documentation regarding a specific social media post by an Isle of Man Constabulary Sergeant on January 13, 2021. The request ultimately lapsed without the requested information being provided.

The request targeted documentation related to a Sergeant's social media post between 22:15 and 22:45 on 13 January 2021.

The requester sought emails, texts, meeting notes, and audio recordings concerning the post.

The Isle of Man Constabulary received the request on 13 January 2021.

The case outcome is recorded as 'Request lapsed - requested information not provided'.

The request was formally closed on 22 January 2021.


Covid advice

Summary: A request was made for all Covid-19 advice considered by the Council of Ministers regarding border controls, testing, and lockdowns, resulting in the partial release of a confidential paper from December 2020.

The Cabinet Office released a confidential Council of Ministers paper dated 3 December 2020 regarding border frameworks and testing.

The paper sought approval to move to '3A of Borders Framework' and reinstate the Guernsey Airbridge.

Risk assessments were conducted based on UK prevalence rates, factoring in a 4-fold under-reporting estimate.

Calculations estimated that 16.5 to 28.4 infected travellers might enter the Island per month depending on regional prevalence.

The response noted that the decision to relax restrictions depends on the government's risk appetite amidst winter healthcare challenges.

0.15 infected travellers released after 14 days isolation

0.33 infected travellers released after 10 days isolation

0.28 infected travellers released after 14 days isolation

0.57 infected travellers released after 10 days isolation


office of national statistics

Summary: The request sought documents regarding plans to rename the Economic Affairs Division and establish an independent Office of National Statistics. The authority disclosed a Council of Ministers paper rejecting the recommendation for full independence, citing the division's dual role in policy and statistics, while noting plans to improve perceived independence through publication schedules and a code of conduct.

The Economic Affairs Division was moved from Treasury in 2014 to bring statistics closer to the center of government.

The recommendation to make the Economic Affairs Division sit independently of government departments was rejected.

The authority noted that the Statistics Jersey model is not equivalent to the UK Office for National Statistics.

The size of the Isle of Man makes creating a fully arm's length body difficult as funding would still come from the government.

Actions to improve the perception of independence include a 12-month publication schedule and a code of conduct for official statistics.

2014
21 November 2019
December 2019
12 month
1992
Paper No. 19/356


public sector settlements

Summary: The requester asked for detailed explanations, statistics, and policy documents regarding public sector private settlements, including factors like reputational risk and non-disclosure agreements. The Attorney General's Chambers refused to provide this information, stating it does not hold the data and that fulfilling the request would require substantial research and analysis not mandated by the Freedom of Information Act.

The request was received on 14 January 2021 and the outcome was issued on 5 February 2021.

The authority determined the information requested does not fall under their obligation to provide.

The request was split into two parts, with the first part covering settlement factors and the second covering non-disclosure agreements.

The Attorney General's Chambers does not monitor, analyze statistics, or determine policy on the Human Resource Management aspects mentioned.

The response cites Section 8(3) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 as the reason for refusal.

14 January 2021
5 February 2021
Section 8(3)
Freedom of Information Act 2015
case_id: 1632057

Section 8(3) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (substantial research and analysis)


COVID Travel requests

Summary: The requester asked for statistics on individuals granted permission to enter the Isle of Man between August 2020 and February 2021, categorized by residency and reason. The Cabinet Office disclosed the total numbers for residents, non-residents on compassionate or contractual grounds, and key workers.

The data covers the period from August 2020 to February 5, 2021.

12,428 Isle of Man residents registered to travel, though this does not confirm they left the island.

1,440 non-residents were granted permission for compassionate reasons.

643 non-residents were granted permission for contractual reasons.

1,126 key workers were granted permission to enter the island.


COVID 19 case details

Summary: The requester asked for details on whether seven specific COVID-19 cases in isolation on 17 January 2021 were household contacts or community contacts. The Department of Health and Social Care refused the request stating they do not hold the information, which is instead held by Public Health within the Cabinet Office.

The request was received on 18 January 2021 and responded to on 2 February 2021.

The Department of Health and Social Care does not hold the specific contact tracing details requested.

The information is held by Public Health within the Cabinet Office.

The requester was advised to re-submit the request to Public Health.

The refusal was based on 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)


Children admitted to hospital for malnutrition

Summary: The requester asked for statistics on children admitted to hospital for malnutrition and those placed on child protection registers due to poverty between 2018 and 2021. The Department of Health and Social Care responded that it does not hold this information, citing practical refusal reasons under the Freedom of Information Act.

Hospital admissions for malnutrition are not recorded electronically or manually by the Department.

There is no longer a 'Child Protection Register'; children are instead subject to a 'Child Protection Plan'.

The Department does not record or gather data on whether poverty is a specific challenge for families in the child protection system.

Poverty alone is not a reason to place a child under protection arrangements; evidence of significant harm is required.

Families facing poverty-related circumstances compromising a child's health may be identified as 'in need' under Section 23 of the Child & Young Persons Act 2001.

1st January 2018
17th January 2021
18th January 2021
4th February 2021
1633822
Section 11(3)a
Section 23
Child & Young Persons Act 2001
Freedom of Information Act 2015

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


Curragh Road (A3) road crossing (Heritage Trail / Former Railway Line)

Summary: A request was made for documentation regarding the design, safety, and installation of a pink crossing and gates at the Curragh Road Heritage Trail. The Department of Infrastructure withheld all requested information, citing an exemption related to ongoing legal proceedings.

The request concerned the Curragh Road (A3) crossing on the Heritage Trail, including the pink crossing design and gate installations.

The Department of Infrastructure confirmed they hold the information but refused to disclose it.

The refusal was based on Section 31 of the Freedom of Information Act due to ongoing investigations or legal proceedings.

The authority apologized for a two-day delay in responding to the request.

The response included a public interest test weighing transparency against the need to protect legal proceedings.

Section 31 of the Act (ongoing investigation/legal proceedings)


Conflict of Interest for Planning Appeal related to PA 19/01441/B

Summary: The appellant requested all correspondence demonstrating the absence of a conflict of interest regarding planning appeal PA 19/01441/B. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture responded that no such information is held because there is no requirement to demonstrate an absence of conflict, though they confirmed no staff or committee members declared an interest.

The authority stated there is no requirement to declare or demonstrate an 'absence of conflict of interest'.

No staff member in the Planning & Building Control Directorate recorded an interest in the application.

The application was determined at a public Planning Committee meeting on 2nd March 2020.

No Planning Committee member declared an interest or perceived interest at the meeting.

The Minister declared a conflict of interest, delegating the appeal decision to Mr R Callister, MHK.


National Insurance & Health Care

Summary: The requester asked the Department of Health and Social Care to explain the health and other services provided in exchange for National Insurance payments. The department refused the request stating they do not hold the information and directed the requester to the Department of Treasury.

The Department of Health and Social Care does not hold the requested information regarding National Insurance services.

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

The information is held by the Department of Treasury, not the Department of Health and Social Care.

The Social Security and Administration Act 1992, Sections 161 to 169, contains details about the National Insurance Fund.

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


COVID-19 Testing Accuracy

Summary: The requester asked for documentation on the specificity and sensitivity of COVID-19 testing procedures used on the Isle of Man in 2021. The Department of Health and Social Care responded by providing a document titled 'SARS-CoV-2 testing on the Isle of Man' and outlining the testing and notification process.

The Department of Health and Social Care provided a document titled 'SARS-CoV-2 testing on the Isle of Man'.

The provided document was scheduled to be uploaded to the Isle of Man Government website.

Swabs are collected at the Grandstand, patient homes, or Nobles by trained practitioners.

Samples are conveyed to the laboratory regularly.

The 111 team informs patients of results via text or personally for positive cases.


Medical Cannabis Policy

Summary: A request was made to the Department for Enterprise regarding the reasoning, human rights compatibility, and voting records of the Isle of Man's medical cannabis policy. The authority responded that it does not hold the requested information as policy decisions fall under the Department of Health and Social Care, not Enterprise.

The Department for Enterprise does not hold the information requested regarding medical cannabis policy.

The authority stated that policy decisions on medicinal cannabis were not made by the Department for Enterprise.

The Department for Enterprise's remit is focused on economic value rather than policy development for medicinal cannabis.

Requesters were advised to contact the Department of Health and Social Care for assistance.

The request was closed on 15 February 2021.


Prison Adjudication System

Summary: The Department of Home Affairs responded to a request for monthly statistics on the Isle of Man prison system from February to December 2020, disclosing data on prisoner numbers, adjudications, legal aid, and transfer applications.

The request covered the period from 13 February 2020 to 28 January 2021.

All requested information was provided in the response.

No governor adjudications were referred to the Independent Adjudicator during the period.

No legal aid was granted for cases before the Independent Adjudicator in 2020.

Only one prisoner application for transfer to the UK was completed during the requested period.


Information regarding Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing use for Isle of Man samples.

Summary: The request sought details on PCR testing kits, sensitivity, accuracy, and error rates used in the Isle of Man. The Department of Health and Social Care disclosed the manufacturer, cycle threshold, and accuracy percentages, but refused to provide specific figures for false positives and negatives citing lack of data.

The PCR testing kit used is the QuantuMDx RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 Nucleic Acid Detection Test.

The Cycle Threshold (sensitivity) for the tests is set at 40.

The reported test accuracy is 98.9% sensitivity and 99.1% specificity.

Accuracy is monitored through regular internal and external quality assessments.

The Department does not hold specific figures for false positives or false negatives.


Information regarding PCR testing use for Isle of Man samples

Summary: A request was made to the Isle of Man Cabinet Office for detailed data on PCR testing kits, including manufacturer, sensitivity, accuracy, and false positive/negative rates. The authority responded that it does not hold this information and suggested contacting the Department of Health and Social Care instead.

The Cabinet Office does not hold the requested information regarding PCR testing.

The request was received on 25 January 2021.

The response was issued on 29 January 2021.

Applicants are advised to contact the Department of Health and Social Care for the data.

The request covers eight specific questions about test manufacturing, sensitivity, and accuracy.


Status of the Green Lane User Group and its relationship with the DoI

Summary: The request sought details on the formation, governance, funding, and relationship between the Green Lane User Group (GLUG) and the Department of Infrastructure (DoI). The DoI disclosed that GLUG is an unregulated advisory group formed in 2002 with no specific budget, chaired by a DoI employee to facilitate communication and volunteer work.

GLUG was formed in 2002 by Minister John Shimmin to coordinate green lane users.

The group acts solely as an advisory body with no executive authority or decision-making power.

There is no specific funding or budget allocated to GLUG; works are funded via the DoI highway maintenance budget.

A DoI employee historically chairs the group to control meetings, though users could theoretically chair.

GLUG is not constituted as a Government Board or Committee and is therefore not regulated.


COVID-19/21,

Summary: The request sought information on SARS-CoV-2 isolation, PCR testing parameters, mask risk assessments, and flu death statistics. The Department of Health and Social Care confirmed PCR details and internal mask assessments but stated the virus was not isolated or purified, while refusing to provide business-specific risk assessments and flu death numbers due to lack of held information.

The Department stated that SARS-CoV-2 has not been isolated or purified.

PCR tests used for SARS-CoV-2 run at 45 cycles of amplification.

The Department conducts its own risk assessments regarding masks.

Information on risk assessments by individual businesses was not held by the Department.

Seasonal flu death numbers for 2019 and 2020 are held by Public Health within the Cabinet Office, not the Department of Health and Social Care.

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


Vaccine Hubs

Summary: A request was made for the total costs of creating three vaccine hubs on the Isle of Man, but the Department of Health and Social Care could only provide current known expenditures and estimates as final outturn costs were not yet available.

The Department does not hold complete or accurate final outturn costs for the three vaccine hubs.

Final costs will only be available once all invoices have been paid.

Current known expenditure for the Newlands hub is £8,068.23.

Current known expenditure for the Airport hub is £81,886.64.

Current known expenditure for the Chester Street hub is £36,803.78.

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


Exemptions

Summary: The requester asked for details regarding exemptions granted for work on private premises during the Isle of Man's circuit breaker lockdown. The Cabinet Office responded that no such exemptions were issued by them since the lockdown began.

The Cabinet Office does not hold the requested information.

No exemptions were issued by the Cabinet Office for work on private premises or homes since the circuit breaker lockdown started.

The circuit breaker lockdown commenced on 7 January 2021.

The request was received on 26 January 2021 and closed on 2 February 2021.

The response confirms the authority's aim to provide information whenever possible.

7 January 2021
26 January 2021
2 February 2021
1647113
0 exemptions


Statistics of children on care orders in the IOM.

Summary: The requester asked for annual statistics on children placed on care orders in the Isle of Man from 2009 to 2020. The Department of Health and Social Care provided data for 2010 through 2020 but confirmed that records for 2009 were not held.

Data for the year 2009 was not held by the Department and could not be provided.

The statistics provided exclude Interim Care Orders.

The Freedom of Information Act 2015 technically allows requests from October 11, 2011, but the authority voluntarily provided earlier data where available.

The highest number of care orders in the provided period was 18 in 2017.

The lowest number of care orders in the provided period was 1 in 2015.


Actual / full costs of COVID 19 vaccination program

Summary: The requester asked for the full actual and future costs of the Isle of Man's COVID-19 vaccination program, including staff wages, venue running costs, and storage expenses. The Department of Health and Social Care responded that it could not provide full actual costs due to ongoing uncertainty in the delivery model, instead providing approved budgets and estimated expenditures for specific areas.

The Department of Health and Social Care stated it does not hold full accurate costings for the vaccination program at the time of the response.

A practical refusal reason was applied under section 11(3)a of the Act because some requested information could not be found.

The Department provided estimates rather than actual costs for the management of the program through September 2021.

The response indicated that known costs would be identified while others would remain estimated expenditure.

The request covered costs for venue conversion, staff redeployment, security, and refrigeration.

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


Coronavirus arrests and fixed penalty notices in 2020.

Summary: The Isle of Man Constabulary responded to a request for 2020 statistics regarding coronavirus regulation breaches, disclosing the total number of arrests and fixed penalty notices issued.

144 arrests were made in 2020 for breaches of coronavirus regulations.

The arrests involved 131 unique individuals.

The first arrest occurred on 31 March 2020 and the last on 18 December 2020.

37 fixed penalty notices were issued for coronavirus regulation breaches in 2020.

Fixed penalty notices are not technically 'on the spot' fines as officers cannot demand instant payment.


VAT refunds on aircraft

Summary: The Treasury responded to a request for quarterly VAT refund data on aircraft imports into the EU via the Isle of Man for 2020, disclosing that all refunds occurred in the final quarter.

No VAT refunds were recorded for aircraft imports in the first three quarters of 2020.

All VAT refunds for the year occurred in the fourth quarter (October to December 2020).

A total of two refund claims were submitted for the year 2020.

Both submitted claims received a 100% VAT refund.

The total amount refunded was 10.9 million GBP.


1975 Estate Agents Act :List of Registered Estate Agents

Summary: A request was made for the 2020-21 Register of Estate Agents under the 1975 Estate Agents Act, citing a lack of recent publication by the Office of Fair Trading. The authority responded by disclosing the full list of registered agents, their qualifications, and business addresses.

The Office of Fair Trading released the Estate Agents Register for 2020-21.

The request was based on the 1975 Estate Agents Act requiring a public list of registered agents.

The complainant noted that the last published register was in 2018 and publication was refused for 2020.

The disclosed list includes names, registration numbers, qualifications, and addresses of agents.

Agents are registered under various firms including Black Grace Cowley Limited, Chrystal Bros. Stott & Kerruish Limited, and Manxmove Limited.


Estimated economic burden to Island's health service via CVD/Cancer.

Summary: A request was made for the estimated economic burden of Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer on the Isle of Man's health service, including direct costs, productivity losses, and informal care. The Department of Health and Social Care responded that the information is not held and cannot be found after reasonable steps.

The request sought cost data for CVD and Cancer covering the last 10 years or a specific year between 2016 and 2019.

The Department of Health and Social Care refused the request under Section 11(3)a of the Act as a practical refusal.

The authority stated they do not hold the requested information or could not find it after taking reasonable steps.

Applicants were advised to re-submit the request to the Economic Division within the Cabinet Office.

The request was formally closed on 3rd February 2021.


Scoil Phurt le Moirrey School Improvement Plan and the School Vision

Summary: The requester asked for the School Improvement Plan and School Vision for Scoil Phurt le Moirrey for the past five years. The Department of Education, Sport and Culture provided the plans for academic years 2015/16 through 2019/20, noting that the vision is included within each plan, but redacted personal information.

School Improvement Plans were released for the academic years 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18, 2018/19, and 2019/20.

Each School Improvement Plan includes the school's vision statement.

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

The response was issued on 24 February 2021 following a request received on 1 February 2021.

The requester had previously been advised to contact the school directly before making this FOI request.

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

Data Protection principles under Article 5 of the General Data Protection Regulation

Conditions for lawful processing under Article 6 of the GDPR


2021 External Examinations & Pupil Grading/Assessment

Summary: The request sought internal correspondence and submissions regarding 2021 external examinations and grading during the pandemic, to which the authority responded with partial information including a document outlining concerns about CAIE exam arrangements and exemptions.

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture (DESC) opposed CAIE examinations for Summer 2021 due to significant learning loss from lockdowns.

Ramsey Grammar School teachers expressed anxiety about student preparedness for exams after 10 weeks of online learning.

Concerns were raised about inequality between subjects, as sciences had practical exemptions while geography, business, and economics did not.

The response highlighted risks of norm-referencing grade boundaries when the student sample size is significantly reduced or altered.

The authority agreed to wait for an Ofqual announcement before issuing communications due to a lack of clarity on exam arrangements.

2021
29th January 2021
1 December 2020
10 weeks
15%
Year 11
Year 13


St Andrews inspection

Summary: The requester asked for the full external inspection report by St Andrews regarding Adult Learning Disabilities services. The Department of Health and Social Care provided the report but withheld specific sections containing personal data under an absolute exemption.

The request was received on 4 February 2021 and responded to on 8 March 2021.

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

The document provided is the 'IoM Service Review – Adults Learning Disabilities external report by St Andrews'.

Some information was withheld because it constitutes personal data of individuals other than the applicant.

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

Section 25 (2)(a) of the Act (absolutely exempt personal information)


Promenade temporary highways risk assessment

Summary: The requester asked for a formal risk assessment regarding the conversion of the South Promenade into a temporary highway, but the Department of Infrastructure confirmed no written assessment exists, citing internal discussions and specific safety measures instead.

No formal written risk assessment was completed prior to the highway conversion.

The Department of Infrastructure is responsible for managing risks associated with the temporary highway.

Public safety was ensured through fenced segregation of pedestrians from traffic.

A lower speed limit was implemented for the southbound traffic lane.

The route may be closed to both vehicles and pedestrians during inclement weather causing coastal overtopping.


Occupational Health Assessment (OHA)

Summary: The Isle of Man Post Office responded to a Freedom of Information request regarding their definition of long-term absence, staff absence statistics, and manager training protocols. The authority disclosed that they do not have a fixed policy definition for long-term absence, provided specific annual counts for staff with absences over 4 weeks and those undergoing Occupational Health Assessments, but withheld data on the specific reasons for assessments.

IOMPO policy does not define a specific duration for 'long-term' absence, instead assessing each case individually based on symptoms and medical opinion.

The current absence policy has been in place for over 5 years and is approved by the IOMPO Board.

IOMPO does not hold reportable data categorizing the reasons for Occupational Health Assessments (e.g., physical injury vs. mental health).

Line managers receive guidance on OHA referrals through regular HR Business Partner meetings rather than formal recorded training.

Managers receive one-to-one sessions with HR to understand Return to Work procedures, but no formal records of this training are kept.

2015/16 – 23 staff with absences over 4 weeks

2016/17 – 19 staff with absences over 4 weeks

2017/18 – 26 staff with absences over 4 weeks

2018/19 – 19 staff with absences over 4 weeks

2019/20 – 35 staff with absences over 4 weeks


Vaccine refusal

Summary: The requester asked for statistics on COVID-19 vaccine refusals broken down by invitation category, but the Department of Health and Social Care stated they do not hold this data as it is maintained by individual GP practices.

The Department of Health and Social Care does not hold data on the number of people who refused the COVID vaccine.

Vaccine refusal data is currently held by individual GP Practices and added to patient records upon request.

There is no mandatory requirement for patients to formally dissent from having the vaccine.

The vaccination programme had called all individuals over 75 and was commencing calls for the extremely clinically vulnerable, their carers, and those over 70.

General uptake statistics are available via the official COVID dashboard.


Staff Absences follow-up request from ref:1523189

Summary: The Isle of Man Post Office responded to a follow-up FOI request regarding staff absence costs, reasons, and management interventions over the last five years. The authority disclosed total absence costs and specific absence days but clarified that it does not categorize absences as short-term or long-term, nor does it track mental health issues unless they result in absence.

The IOMPO does not define short-term and long-term absences within its policy.

Total absence costs for 2019/20 were £462,377.83, the highest in the five-year period provided.

The main reason for absences recorded in 2019/20 was sprains and strains.

The Absence Management policy was last reviewed in January 2021 by the IOMPO Board.

Mental health issues are only recorded if they are the stated reason for absence, with 18 employees reporting this in the year ending March 2020.


Laxey Flood Feasibility report - November 2019

Summary: The requester asked for a copy of the 'Laxey Flood Feasibility report' dated November 2019, but the Manx Utilities Authority refused to provide it because the document is already publicly accessible and flood management records have since been transferred to the Department of Infrastructure.

The requested report is identified as the 'Laxey Flood Alleviation Scheme - Feasibility summary report' published in August 2020.

The report is publicly available on the IOM Flood Hub website.

Flood management functions and records were transferred from Manx Utilities to the Department of Infrastructure in October 2020.

The request was closed on 12 February 2021 under Section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

The requester is advised to contact the Flood Management Division of the DOI for further information.


Flood risk asset register

Summary: The requester asked for a flood risk asset register and details on the classification of the MER weir structure as a historical asset. The Manx Utilities Authority responded that they do not hold this information as flood management records were transferred to the Department of Infrastructure in October 2020.

The requested flood risk asset register is held by the Flood Division of the Department of Infrastructure (DOI), not Manx Utilities.

A 'Transfer of Function Order' approved by Tynwald in October 2020 moved all flood management records from Manx Utilities to the DOI.

The new 'Flood Management Division' within the DOI now houses staff and records from both Manx Utilities and the DOI.

The requester was directed to contact the DOI via iomfloodhub.im or submit a new FOI request directly to them.

The case reference number for this request is 1665470.


Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Summary: A request was made to the Department of Health and Social Care for the number of symptomatic individuals among 434 positive PCR Covid-19 cases. The authority refused to provide the information, stating it is not held by them and is instead managed by the Cabinet Office's Public Health team.

The request was received on 2021-02-09 and responded to on 2021-02-12.

The Department of Health and Social Care does not hold the requested data on symptomatic PCR positive cases.

The information is held by the Covid 111 & Contact Tracing Response Team within the Cabinet Office.

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

The requester was advised to re-submit the request to the appropriate authority.


Woodbourne Road - complaints and accidents

Summary: A request was made for details on complaints regarding a zebra crossing and road traffic collisions on Woodbourne Road. The Department of Infrastructure provided a partial response, disclosing specific collision data while redacting complaint details and most accident specifics.

The request targeted safety complaints about a zebra crossing near the Masonic Hall on Woodbourne Road.

The authority responded with 16 pages across 3 documents.

Information regarding complaints was largely redacted in the response.

Six road traffic collisions were identified in the dataset provided.

Specific details for three collisions were disclosed, including dates, severity, and location.

Woodbourn Road opposite Woodburn Square, Douglas

On Pedesrian Crossing on Woodbourn Road, Douglas

Hopes and Dreams day nursey on Woodbourne Road


Governing Body Minutes - Selected Primary Schools

Summary: The requester sought governing body minutes for 11 primary schools covering the 2018-19 academic year and the autumn term of 2019-20. The Department of Education, Sport and Culture released the minutes but redacted personal information found within school improvement plans.

Minutes were provided for 11 specific primary schools including Arbory, Ashley Hill, and Bunscoill Rhumsaa.

The request covered the full 2018-19 academic year and the autumn term of 2019-20.

Manor Park Primary School had no minutes for the summer term of 2018-19 as no meeting took place.

Personal data within school improvement plans was redacted under Section 25 of the Freedom of Information Act.

The response was issued on 12 March 2021 following a request received on 15 February 2021.

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

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


Lansons

Summary: The request sought details on payments made by the Isle of Man Government to Lansons over three years and the services provided. The Cabinet Office disclosed total payments for 2018-2020 and outlined that Lansons provides public relations and public affairs services focused on the UK.

The requested period was defined as January 2018 to December 2020.

The Cabinet Office coordinated information from other relevant Departments to fulfill the request.

Lansons holds a contract to provide public relations and public affairs services.

Services are primarily focused on the UK to promote the Isle of Man as a responsible jurisdiction.

The goal of the services includes encouraging trade, investment, and relocation to the Island.


Planning Appeal Number AP20/0003 (iro Planning Application 19/01401/B)

Summary: A request was made for notes, minutes, transcripts, and recordings of a planning appeal hearing held on 20 August 2020. The Cabinet Office responded that it does not hold any of the requested information as minutes are not taken, recordings are not made, and the inspector's notes are not in their possession.

The request concerned Planning Appeal Number AP20/0003 regarding Planning Application 19/01401/B.

The Cabinet Office confirmed it does not hold independent planning inspector Mr Michael Hurley's notes.

No minutes are taken at appeal hearings according to the authority.

No transcript of the dialogue exists for the meeting.

The authority does not record meetings held virtually via Microsoft Teams.


Director of Public Health - Steampacket meeting minutes, notes, emails

Summary: The request sought meeting minutes, notes, and emails between the Director of Public Health and the Isle of Man Steam Packet regarding staff isolation protocols during the pandemic. The authority released a partial response containing email correspondence from July and August 2020 discussing crew safety and social distancing rules, while withholding other requested information.

The request was made on 2021-02-18 and the outcome was issued on 2021-03-19.

The authority provided 7 pages across 2 documents, primarily consisting of email chains.

The disclosed emails discuss the safety of UK and Isle of Man contractors working together on the vessel Ben-My-Chree.

The correspondence highlights conflicting social distancing rules between the Isle of Man and the UK (1 meter/2 meter).

The response indicates that engaging UK and IOM contractors should be avoided as far as possible.


Cautions

Summary: The requester asked for statistics and details regarding adult cautions issued on the Connect IT system and subsequent legal challenges between June 2019 and March 2020. The Isle of Man Constabulary refused to provide the information directly, stating it was already reasonably accessible via a specific Tynwald Hansard document.

The request was received on 19 February 2021 and responded to on 22 February 2021.

The authority cited Section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 to refuse the request.

The refusal was based on the information being 'already reasonably accessible' to the requester.

The Constabulary directed the requester to a specific PDF on the Tynwald website (Page 41) for the requested data.

19th June 2019
31st March 2020
19 February 2021
22 February 2021
Page 41
1677525

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


Dyslexia policy

Summary: The requester asked for the Department of Education, Sport and Culture's current or recent dyslexia policy. The department confirmed no current policy exists but released a redacted version of a policy and guidance document from September 2012 that was in force until March 2020.

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture does not currently have a dyslexia policy.

A dyslexia policy and guidance document dated September 2012 was in place until March 2020.

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

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

The request was received on 22 February 2021 and the outcome was issued on 22 March 2021.

2021-02-22
2021-03-22
1677926
52
3
September 2012
March 2020
11th October 2011
12 of October 2011
10 years
Section 25
Article 5
Article 6
2018
2015
December 2013
September 2011
November 2011
March 2012
July 2012
October 2012

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

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