Approved Driving Instructor register - UK based firm

Summary: The requester asked about the registration status of UK-based driving instructors for Manx Care ambulance training and the Department of Infrastructure's involvement in Work Permit applications for instructors. The Department disclosed that it is not informed of Work Permit applications but requires proof of a permit for UK ADIs to register on the Isle of Man list.

All Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) must be registered with the Department and pass qualifying examinations to teach for money.

The Department of Infrastructure is not informed when Work Permit applications are submitted for individuals intending to work as driving instructors.

UK ADIs can exchange their badge without retaking exams if it is still valid, provided they produce a Work Permit and have an IOM address and driving licence.

The specific number of UK resident instructors on the register for the Manx Care courses was not provided in the response.

The specific number of Work Permit applications received in the last 12 months was not provided as the Department is not informed of such applications.


Prescription Data

Summary: The requester asked for updated prescription figures for 2023/24 and the total cost of medicines dispensed for 2022/23 and 2023/24. Manx Care provided a full breakdown of prescriptions issued by surgeries and dispensed by pharmacies, along with the requested total costs.

Total prescriptions issued by surgeries in 2023/24 was 682,751.

Ramsey Group Practice issued the highest number of prescriptions at 141,147.

Total cost of medicines dispensed in 2022/23 was £15,891,953.76.

Total cost of medicines dispensed in 2023/24 was £15,442,525.26.

The response included detailed figures for individual pharmacies and surgery groups.


MHK Statement

No information sent - all held but exempt

Summary: A request was made for internal and external communications regarding a Manx Care statement accusing MHK Julie Edge of factual errors, as well as the chain of command for publishing statements. Manx Care refused to disclose any information, citing exemptions related to the conduct of public business.

The request concerned communications about a statement accusing Onchan MHK Julie Edge of making incorrect claims regarding a code red issue at Noble's Hospital.

Manx Care withheld all information under Section 35(b) and (c) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

The authority argued that disclosure would prejudice the effective conduct of public business by inhibiting frank internal deliberations.

A public interest test was conducted, with factors favoring withholding deemed to outweigh those favoring disclosure.

The request was formally closed on 20 March 2025.

Section 35(b) - Conduct of public business

Section 35(c) - Conduct of public business


MHK Statement

Summary: The request sought communications regarding a Manx Care statement accusing MHK Julie Edge of making incorrect claims about a Code Red incident at Noble's Hospital. The authority released internal emails showing Minister Claire Christian did not authorize the specific comments about Ms Edge, while redacting personal data and conduct-related information.

Minister Claire Christian explicitly stated she did not authorize the comments regarding Ms Julie Edge.

The disputed statement accused Ms Edge of making 'sweeping and factually incorrect' assertions during the Budget Debate.

The incident concerned an apparent Code Red issue at Noble's Hospital over the weekend of 15/16 February 2025.

The press statement was approved for Manx Care channels and published on their Facebook page.

The Minister instructed staff that any emails sent to MHKs could enter the public domain.

19 February 2025
15/16 February 2025
18th February 2025
10 pages
2 documents

S.25 - Personal Data
S.35(c) - Conduct of Public Business
S.35(a) - Conduct of Public Business


Equality impact assessment screening tool

Summary: The requester asked for the Equality Impact Assessment screening tool used by the Treasury, but the authority did not send the document directly because it is already reasonably accessible online.

The request was made to the Treasury on 2025-02-25 and responded to on 2025-02-26.

The requested screening tool is part of a combined Climate, Data Protection, and Equality Impact Assessment spreadsheet.

The specific EQIA screening information is located on the 6th tab of the provided spreadsheet.

The Treasury cited Section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 as the reason for not sending the document.

The document is available via a public link on the netzero.im website.

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


Naturalisation Timelines and nature of Naturalisation

Summary: The request sought actual processing times for Isle of Man naturalisation and statistics on citizenship grants via ILR and Settled Status since 2023. The Treasury disclosed that 173 applications were processed with an average time of 13.6 months, and 130 individuals gained citizenship, split between EU Settlement Scheme and other visa categories.

Since January 1, 2023, 173 nationality applications have been completely processed.

The average processing time per application from payment to ceremony booking is 13.6 months.

130 individuals granted Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) have subsequently been granted British Citizenship since January 1, 2023.

51 of the citizenship grants were to holders of ILR under the IOM EU Settlement Scheme.

79 of the citizenship grants were to holders of ILR under all other visa categories.


Dress down days

Summary: The request sought financial details on funds raised by Isle of Man high schools during dress-down days over the last two years, including spending breakdowns and holding accounts. The Department of Education, Sport and Culture disclosed specific fundraising totals, charity donations, and student support allocations for five high schools, confirming funds are held in school accounts pending distribution.

Ballakermeen High School raised £2,064.37 in 2023/24 and £2,702.57 in 2024/25, with remaining funds used for student support or pending finalization.

Castle Rushen High School holds non-uniform day funds in its main bank account subject to external audit.

Ramsey Grammar School donated to charities including Rebecca House and Isle Listen between April 2023 and October 2023.

St Ninian's High School collected £3,867.84 in 2023/24 and £4,992.52 in 2024/25, splitting funds between student rewards and nominated charities.

Queen Elizabeth II High School used Christmas Jumper day funds immediately for elderly care boxes in Peel, while other charity funds are held until collection.


Exemption from Rates

Summary: The Treasury responded to a request for a list of properties exempt from rates under section 74 of the Rating and Valuation Act 1953 for the year ending 31 March 2025. The authority provided a partial list of addresses and claimants, though some entries were redacted citing section 25 exemptions.

The request covered rate exemptions for the year to 31 March 2025 under section 74 of the Rating and Valuation Act 1953.

The Treasury provided a list containing property addresses and the names of organizations claiming exemptions.

Multiple properties owned by The Manx Community Housing Trust and Marown Parish Community Care were listed as exempt.

Several entries in the response were redacted with the notation 's.25', indicating withheld information.

The response was issued on 28 March 2025, 24 days after the request was received.


Rheumatology Department

Summary: A request was made for five-year statistics on complaints and UK care transfer requests for the Rheumatology Department, but the Department of Health and Social Care refused to provide the information as it is not held by them.

The Department of Health and Social Care does not hold the requested information regarding Rheumatology complaints or UK transfer requests.

The authority suggests the requester contact Manx Care, as the information may be held by them.

The refusal is based on the separation of policy setting (Department) and service delivery (Manx Care) established on 1 April 2021.

The request was received on 3 March 2025 and the response was issued on 26 March 2025.

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

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


Burial Ground Rates

Summary: The requester asked for the Onchan Burial Ground Revenue Budget Submission and any Department of Infrastructure appraisal for the year to 31 March 2025. The Department provided the submission form but stated that no appraisal records exist as the review process does not produce specific documents.

The Department of Infrastructure provided the Burial Rate Submission Form for Onchan Burial Ground.

The Department does not hold an appraisal document because no records are produced during the rate review process.

The review process involves checking submitted documents against rateable values provided by the rates office.

Upon completion of the review, the Department sends a letter of confirmation of approval rather than a detailed appraisal.

The request was closed on 20 March 2025.

Information not held by the public authority


Imposition of VAT on Private School Fees

Summary: The request sought assessments, projections, and correspondence regarding the potential imposition of VAT on private school fees in the Isle of Man following UK Labour Party proposals. The Treasury disclosed internal correspondence with King William's College and the Buchan School discussing the existential threat of the policy and planned inter-departmental meetings to consider mitigation strategies.

The request was made following a Treasury press release on 1st August 2024 regarding the removal of VAT exemption for private school fees.

King William's College and the Buchan School identified the potential 20% VAT imposition as an existential threat to their operations.

The Minister for the Treasury proposed a meeting between the Treasury and the Department for Enterprise to establish high-level policy criteria.

Discussions are planned to involve the Department for Education, Sport and Culture to support independent education viability.

The FOI case outcome was 'Not upheld' as of 23 June 2025.


Equality of Care

Summary: A request was made for detailed gender-disaggregated data on healthcare appointments, spending, and life expectancy over five years, but the Department of Health and Social Care refused to provide the information.

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

The information may be held by The Cabinet Office (Public Health) or Manx Care.

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

The request covered 11 specific questions regarding men's and women's health metrics.

The applicant was advised to re-submit the request to the alternative authorities.


Pupil characteristics 2024/25

Summary: The Department of Education, Sport and Culture responded to a request for pupil characteristics across Isle of Man schools for the 2024/25 academic year, disclosing data on Free School Meals, Additional Educational Needs (AEN), and English as an Additional Language (EAL). The response provided detailed breakdowns by school and support category, though some specific classifications like neurodivergence were not explicitly detailed in the provided tables.

Data covers the 2024/25 academic year with nominal roll figures from September 2024.

AEN data is categorized into Additional Support, Additional Support Plus, Complex Needs (mainstream), and Complex Needs (SPC).

Ballakermeen school amalgamated Additional Support and Additional Support Plus categories in their reporting.

Bunscoill Ghaelgagh reported no statistics for EAL pupils.

The request included data on FSM, EAL, AEN, specific learning difficulties, and neurodivergence, with the latter two not fully tabulated in the response.

Bunscoill Rhumsaa FSM percentage: 24.34%

Scoill Phurt Le Moirrey FSM percentage: 25.00%

Ballakermeen Complex Needs (mainstream): 47

Castle Rushen Additional Support Plus: 82


Bonus Payments

Summary: A request was made to the Cabinet Office for details on bonus payments made to Manx Care staff since its inception. The authority responded that it does not hold this information as no such payments are recorded in their payroll or terms and conditions.

The request was directed to the Office of Human Resources (OHR) within the Cabinet Office.

The OHR is not aware of any provision for bonus payments in the terms and conditions for Manx Care or Public Services Commission employees.

The OHR payroll service has no record of bonus payments being made to the specified staff.

The Cabinet Office does not hold the requested information.

The requester was advised to contact Manx Care directly or submit a new FOI request to them.


Financial Assistance Scheme

Summary: The requester asked for a list of companies and specific grant amounts received under the Financial Assistance Scheme between March 2021 and March 2025. The Department for Enterprise provided a link to annual reports containing company lists but withheld specific grant amounts citing commercial sensitivity.

The request was received on 5th March 2025 and responded to on 27th March 2025.

Company lists are published annually in reports laid before Tynwald and available on the Department for Enterprise website.

Specific grant amounts for individual companies were withheld under Section 30 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

The authority argued that disclosing individual amounts could discourage businesses from applying for support.

The report for the 2024/25 financial year had not yet been published at the time of the response.

1st March 2021
1st March 2025
5th March 2025
27th March 2025
2013/14
2023/24
2024/25
Section 30
Enterprise Act 2008

Section 30 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Commercially sensitive information)


4429413 further query

Summary: The requester sought details on job creation figures, relocation numbers, and associated service costs from a previous investment report. The Department for Enterprise disclosed the specific job count and total indirect return but confirmed it does not hold data on relocation costs, family numbers, or long-term pension impacts.

The £704,846 indirect return figure relates to 21 new jobs created.

The estimated indirect return is £212,580 per annum over the life of the investments.

Cross-referencing financial support applications indicates 12 individuals relocated to the Island.

The Department does not hold specific information on the total number of employees who relocated.

Information regarding service costs, family relocations, and long-term pension effects is not recorded.

Information not held or cannot be found after taking reasonable steps


Antisemitism Investigation

Summary: A request was made for all records regarding an investigation into potential antisemitism involving Housing Board member Gary Clueit, initiated after an email complaint in October 2023. The Cabinet Office responded by releasing some correspondence but withheld parts of the information under exemptions.

The investigation concerns public statements made by Housing and Communities Board member Gary Clueit regarding Israel.

The complaint was lodged on 15 October 2023, alleging Clueit called the Israeli government 'terrorists' and used anti-semitic tropes.

David Ashford initiated the investigation via email on 17 October 2023 to Kate Lord-Brennan.

The Cabinet Office confirmed that board members are subject to the Government Code and can be removed for unsuitable conduct.

The FOI request was received on 5 March 2025 and the outcome was issued on 3 April 2025.

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


Costing

Summary: A request was made for the cost of gender reassignment surgery for Manx residents over the past 12 months, but the authority responded that no such information is held because no surgeries were performed.

Manx Care does not hold information on gender reassignment surgery costs for the requested period.

The Gender Incongruence (GI) Pathway to the UK has not been established.

There are currently no GI clinics in the UK accepting new referrals from the Isle of Man.

Consequently, there have been zero gender reassignment costs over the last twelve months.

The request was formally closed on 26 March 2025.


School pupil intake

Summary: The request sought pupil intake and out-of-catchment acceptance figures for Onchan and Ashley Hill Primary Schools, as well as island-wide out-of-catchment data for the past three years. The Department of Education provided specific reception intake numbers for the two schools but did not include the requested out-of-catchment statistics in the response.

Reception intake for Ashley Hill Primary School was 27 in 2023/24, 33 in 2024/25, and 27 in 2025/26.

Reception intake for Onchan Primary School was 53 in 2023/24, 39 in 2024/25, and 40 in 2025/26.

The 2025/26 figures for Onchan include a note that 2 catchment pupils had not yet registered as of March 7, 2025.

The response did not provide the requested data regarding out-of-catchment acceptances for the specific schools or island-wide.

The request was received on March 7, 2025, and the response was issued on March 10, 2025.


Criteria applied to decide which roads should be reduced to 20mph.

Summary: The request sought the criteria, decision-making levels, press releases, and consultation processes for the proposed IOM Speed Limits Order 2025. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed the specific 'Place', 'Movement', and 'Road Characteristics' criteria used to determine which roads should be reduced to 20mph, along with the policy purpose and Tynwald resolutions supporting the scheme.

20mph limits are considered for roads with high demand for walking/cycling near schools, community facilities, medical centers, or residential/retail areas exceeding 20 properties per km.

30mph limits should remain on roads outside town centers, in low-density areas (fewer than 20 properties per km), or where bus journey times would be significantly increased.

The initiative relies on signage and behavioral change rather than new traffic calming measures.

The 20mph scheme was approved by Tynwald resolutions in October 2020 and reaffirmed in February 2023.

Roads lacking footways or where footways are on the opposite side to properties are candidates for 20mph limits.

20mph
30mph
20 properties per km
October 2020
February 2023
June 2023
11 March 2025
3 April 2025
4498890


Prison

Summary: A request for information regarding the Isle of Man Prison's design capacity, current population, and the use of Porto cabin cells was partially fulfilled. The Department of Home Affairs provided specific statistics on capacity and population but exempted details on cabin facilities, directing the requester to public inspection reports instead.

The prison's total capacity is 141, including two special accommodation cells.

General living accommodation capacity is 139.

There are 26 Porto cabin cells currently in use.

Information regarding facilities in Porto cabin cells was not provided directly but referenced via external links.

Section 20 - Information accessible by other means


Qufora system Refused by GP

Summary: The requester asked for the number of patients receiving Qufora irrigation systems via NHS prescription, specifically through Hailwood Medical Practice. Manx Care disclosed prescribing data by practice and product type for 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 but refused to provide patient counts, citing that this information is not held.

Manx Care provided a chart detailing Qufora items prescribed by medical practice and financial year.

The authority explicitly stated it does not hold the number of patients issued Qufora systems.

Hailwood Medical Practice requested Qufora items in both the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 financial years.

Southern Group Practice had the highest volume of Qufora items prescribed in the 2023/2024 financial year.

The response was issued on 7 April 2025 regarding a request received on 11 March 2025.

7 items (Castletown Medical Centre 2023/2024)

15 items (Southern Group Practice 2023/2024)

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


public sector housing breakdown costs for rent

Summary: The requester asked for confirmation on rent uniformity for 3-bedroom properties at Station Park Colby and a detailed breakdown of rental cost components including utilities. The Department of Infrastructure responded by providing the full 2012 'Calculation of Local Authority Housing Rents' document, which outlines the points-based system used to determine rent.

Rents are calculated using a points system based on living area, bedroom size, and supplementary elements like heating and insulation.

The rental calendar includes two non-charging periods over Christmas and New Year, affecting weekly rate calculations.

Specific points are allocated for features such as solar panels (3 points), thermal efficiency (up to 6 points), and enclosed gardens (3 points).

A 'Special Situation' element allows for a maximum reduction of 10 points for older, un-modernised properties.

The response included the document 'Calculation of Local Authority Housing Rents 2102.docx' dated 2012.

2025-03-10
2025-04-01
2012
4499949
4 pages
2 documents
19 points
40 points
10 points
6 points
3 points
5 points
9 points
13.6sq m
4.6sq m
22sq m
62.1 sq m
1 mile
10sq m
Building Regulations 2007
June 93
February 2009


Staffing

Summary: A request was made for detailed staffing information, including names, salaries, and work-from-home arrangements for Cabinet Office staff, but the response was partially exempt and only provided an organizational chart with job titles and some departmental functions.

The request sought names, pay scales, salary maxima, and residence details for all Cabinet Office staff.

The authority provided an organizational chart listing roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and various policy and HR teams.

Specific staff names mentioned include Andy Ralphs (CEO), Dr Megan Mathias (COO), and Kate Simms (Anti Money Laundering).

The outcome was classified as 'Some information sent but part exempt', indicating sensitive personal data was withheld.

The response included functional descriptions for departments like GTS, Public Health, and Business Change Services.


Kewaigue Primary School capacity

Summary: A request was made for current and projected student numbers and capacity details for Kewaigue Primary School. The Department of Education disclosed specific enrollment figures and overall capacity but refused to provide year group capacity data, citing that it is already reasonably accessible via published guidance.

Current numbers on roll for Kewaigue Primary School are 101.

Expected numbers on roll for September 2025 are 100.

The school's permanent overall capacity is 93.

Reception class size for September 2025 is 27, split as 15 and 12 in a mixed reception and Year 1 arrangement.

Year group capacity information was withheld as it is considered reasonably accessible to the public.


Numbers and capacity of Island secondary schools

Summary: The requester asked for the total capacity and current pupil numbers for all Isle of Man secondary schools. The Department of Education, Sport and Culture did not provide the data directly, citing that it is already reasonably accessible via a published PDF link.

The request was made to the Department of Education, Sport and Culture on 12 March 2025.

The authority refused to provide the specific data directly under Section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

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

School roll data is published yearly and available via a specific government weblink.

12 March 2025
4506297
September 2024
Section 20
Freedom of Information Act 2015

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


Diabetes support

Summary: A request was made to Manx Care regarding the current status and future plans for diabetic retinal eye screening on the Isle of Man. The authority confirmed that no NHS-funded screening currently exists, there are no immediate plans to implement a programme, and it is not a statutory requirement.

There is currently no NHS-funded diabetic retinal eye screening on the Isle of Man.

Manx Care has no plans to implement a diabetic retinal eye screening programme at this time.

The previously mandated new programme for diabetic retinopathy will not be fully implemented during the 2025-2026 service year.

There is no statutory requirement for Manx Care to provide this service in 2025-2026.

Work is ongoing with Public Health to understand the cost and benefit of potential new programmes.


Government Parking Allocation and Usage

Summary: A request was made for details on the allocation, usage, and enforcement of government parking spaces at the Level 2 Chester Street car park. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed the list of allocated departments, total space count, permit numbers, and enforcement statistics, but withheld information on specific allocation policies and complaints.

Six government departments and agencies are allocated parking spaces at the Chester Street 'apron'.

There are 50 total parking spaces available in the area.

A total of 157 parking permits were issued across the specified departments, with 120 shared among four agencies.

84 routine checks or enforcement actions were carried out between April 2024 and April 2025.

174 fixed penalty notices were issued for unauthorized use during the same period.

50 Spaces
23 permits
6 permits
8 permits
120 permits
84 routine checks
174 fixed penalty notices
01/04/2024
01/04/2025
12 March 2025
4 April 2025

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


Parking

Summary: The requester asked for allocation dates, renewal history, and decision-makers for reserved parking spaces on Castlemona Avenue. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed that there are five spaces, provided their creation dates, clarified that renewals are not required, and identified the Highways and Asset Manager as the decision-maker.

There are 5 reserved parking spaces located along Castlemona Avenue.

Reserved parking spaces do not need to be renewed and remain in place until revoked.

Highway Services Officers assess applications, with the final decision signed by the Highways and Asset Manager.

One referenced space (Ref No. 4) is noted as not yet confirmed.

The response was issued by the Department of Infrastructure on 8 May 2025.

July 2020
October 2021
September 2002
January 2018
July 2010
5 reserved parking spaces
Ref No.1
Ref No.2
Ref No.3
Ref No.4
Ref No.5
Ref No.6
12 March 2025
8 May 2025
4 April 2025
4508325


Diabetes retinopathy provision

Summary: The request sought progress on diabetic retinal screening implementation and specific spending figures from the Healthcare Transformation Fund, including KPMG costs. The authority provided links to policy documents regarding progress but refused to disclose specific monetary amounts, citing that the data is not held separately from a wider portfolio of work.

Information on screening progress is available in the DHSC – Manx Care Mandate 2025/26 on page 11.

The Health and Care Transformation Programme (HCTP) produced a business case for Diabetic Eye Screening in February 2022.

Specific costs for diabetic retinal screening cannot be isolated as the work was part of a wider portfolio with KPMG.

No specific surveys were conducted for diabetic eye screening, though patient engagement occurred during 2020 Pathfinders work on general diabetes.

The costed business case was transferred to the Department for approval around April 2022.

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

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


Lockdown Diving Exemptions

Summary: A request was made for records regarding diving permissions or exceptions granted by DEFA during the April 2020 COVID lockdown. The authority responded that the information is not held because no such permissions were ever granted by the department.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) confirmed it did not grant permissions for recreational diving during the April 2020 lockdown.

The request was prompted by a social media statement from Minister Michelle Haywood regarding a group dive.

DEFA suggested the requester contact the Department of Infrastructure for potential assistance.

The request was formally closed on 2 April 2025 with an outcome of 'Information not held'.

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


Highways officer XXRedacted NameXX report on property at IM2 1JN Feb 25

Summary: A request was made for a highways officer's report regarding potential road collapse and culvert blockage at Springfield Cottage, New Castletown Road. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed the full report, which details erosion risks, hydraulic issues, and plans for a structural inspection.

The property at Site 26 Springfield Cottage has been owned since October 2024.

The culvert inlet beneath the highway is constricted and lacks debris protection, causing frequent blockages.

Erosion of the original bank has exposed a retaining wall, creating an immediate risk of highway failure.

A structural inspection was arranged to take place the week following the report.

The watercourse originates from the Scoill Vallajeelt catchment and terminates in a chamber in the Golf Course.


Darts

Summary: The requester sought the underlying analysis and calculations supporting a press release claiming a 10% increase in visitor numbers for the 2025 International Darts Festival. The Department for Enterprise disclosed the methodology, visitor composition, and specific calculations used to estimate the event's economic impact.

Visitor numbers for the 2025 festival were reported as 962, a 10% increase from the 875 visitors in 2024.

The data was provided by the England Darts Organisation to the Visit Agency's Tourism Events Team.

Economic value calculations are based on the 2018 Annual Passenger Survey, adjusted for inflation to April 2024.

The estimated gross visitor spend for the 2025 event is calculated at £697,450 based on 4,810 bed-nights.

The average spend per visitor per night was adjusted from £116 (2018) to £145 (2024) using Bank of England CPI data.


Export of live farm animals destined for slaughter

Summary: The request sought data on live farm animal exports for slaughter from the Isle of Man between January 2023 and March 2025, including destinations, species, and slaughter methods. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture disclosed export numbers and destinations for cattle but stated it does not hold information on specific slaughter methods or government policies to reduce live transport.

Only cattle were exported for slaughter during the requested period; no sheep, pigs, or goats were exported for this purpose.

Export destinations included Dunbia (Preston), Woodhead Brothers (Colne), and Pickstock Telford Ltd (Telford).

The Department does not hold information regarding whether animals are sent for ritual slaughter (Halal or Shechita).

Animal welfare guidelines after leaving the Isle of Man are governed by UK authorities, not the Isle of Man Government.

There is no specific government policy in place to reduce the transportation of live animals for on-island slaughter.

120 cattle exported in 2025 (January to March)

Request period: January 2023 to March 2025

Information cannot be found after taking reasonable steps


Benefit information.

Summary: The request sought confirmation of social security benefit rates, average monthly support per family unit, and total expenditure data from the Isle of Man Treasury. The authority refused to provide new calculations or summaries, citing that the information is already publicly accessible online or would require substantial compilation to produce.

The Treasury refused to provide average monthly financial support per family unit due to the substantial compilation required to cross-reference different benefits within families.

Information regarding benefit rates, exceptional needs grants, and total expenditure is already available on the government website.

The request was received on 18 March 2025 and amended on 28 April 2025.

The final outcome was determined on 5 June 2025 with no information sent as all requested data was deemed exempt or already accessible.

The Treasury does not hold a consolidated record of how many benefits a single family receives.

Section 20: Information already reasonably accessible to the applicant.

Section 8(3)(c): Request would require substantial compilation or collation of information.

Section 11(3)(b): Practical refusal reason applies due to the volume of work required.


School statistics

Summary: The requester asked for reception class numbers and out-of-catchment student statistics for Anagh Coar and Ballacottier Primary Schools for the last three years and 2025. The authority provided 2025 expected numbers and directed the requester to a public website for historical data, citing that such information is already reasonably accessible.

Historical school roll data is published annually and is considered reasonably accessible under Section 20 of the Act.

Anagh Coar Primary School has a potential intake of 17 pupils for Reception in September 2025.

Ballacottier Primary School has 21 children registered for September 2025, comprising 19 mainstream and 2 in Specialist Provision Centre.

The authority did not provide specific historical out-of-catchment statistics in the letter, referring instead to the open data portal.

The request was received on 18 March 2025 and closed on 3 April 2025.

Section 20 of the Act (Information already reasonably accessible)


Promenade crossings

Summary: The requester asked about the due diligence on promenade crossing materials and remediation plans due to premature deterioration. The Department of Infrastructure confirmed the materials met British Standards and stated that an options appraisal for remediation is currently underway.

The materials and design for the promenade crossings were manufactured in accordance with British Standards.

The Department of Infrastructure is currently conducting an options appraisal to remediate the crossing issues.

The crossings have begun to break up despite being in place for only a couple of years.

The request was received on 18 March 2025 and responded to on 9 April 2025.

The authority handling the request is the Department of Infrastructure.

18 March 2025
9 April 2025
4516865
IM1 2RF
01624 686785
Freedom of Information Act 2015


Negligence cases

Summary: The request sought data on clinical negligence cases against Manx Care over the last five years, including outcomes and costs. The authority disclosed that 32 cases were recorded, with 9 settled, 15 ongoing, and 8 effectively won, alongside detailed financial expenditure totaling over £12 million.

Manx Care recorded 32 clinical negligence cases between 2020 and March 2025.

9 cases resulted in compensation awards being paid to claimants.

15 cases remain ongoing with no final outcome.

8 cases were considered 'wins' for Manx Care due to withdrawal, lack of contact, or limitation periods.

Total expenditure on legal fees, compensation, and professional costs over five years exceeded £12 million.


Food Hygiene Inspection & Enforcement 2023 - 0 & 1 Rated Premises

Summary: A Freedom of Information request was made to the Isle of Man's Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture for details on food hygiene inspections and enforcement actions for premises rated 0 or 1 between January and June 2023. The authority responded by disclosing a full list of 19 establishments, their inspection dates, ratings, and the specific enforcement actions taken against them.

The request covered the period from 1st January 2023 to 30th June 2023.

A total of 5 establishments were awarded a food hygiene rating of 0.

A total of 14 establishments were awarded a food hygiene rating of 1.

Most enforcement actions taken were 'informal action and advice including informal written warnings'.

One establishment, Meximann, received a Hygiene Improvement Notice.


Health cuts correspondence with the UK

Summary: A request for correspondence regarding health cuts with the UK was made to the Department of Health and Social Care, but the information was not disclosed because the department does not hold it.

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

The information may be held by Manx Care instead.

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

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


Midazolam usage in Abbotswood Nursing home under DHSC control 2020

Summary: A request was made for details regarding midazolam usage at Abbotswood Nursing Home in 2020 while under DHSC control, but the Department of Health and Social Care refused to provide the information.

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

Abbotswood Nursing Home remained a private legal entity even when DHSC representatives were in control.

Information concerning normal operations at the nursing home was not owned by the Department.

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

The request was received on 18 March 2025 and closed on 9 April 2025.

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


Terrorist incident prior to 2017 Manchester Arena Bombing at Airport

Summary: A request was made for details regarding a suspected terrorist incident at Ronaldsway Airport in May 2017, including legal outcomes. The Department of Infrastructure responded that they do not hold this information as it falls under the remit of the Isle of Man Constabulary or Department of Home Affairs.

The Department of Infrastructure does not hold information on terrorist incidents at Ronaldsway Airport.

Investigation of terrorist incidents and subsequent charges is the responsibility of the Isle of Man Constabulary or Department of Home Affairs.

The request specifically concerned an incident on a plane destined for London Gatwick in May 2017.

The requester was advised to contact the relevant authorities for the information.

The request was closed on 19 March 2025.


Bus vannin travel expenses

Summary: The Department of Infrastructure disclosed the total travel expenses for Bus Vannin management over the last 10 years in response to a Freedom of Information request. The response provided a year-by-year breakdown of spending on business trips and leisure travel to the UK, Ireland, and Europe.

The request covered travel expenses for Bus Vannin management over a 10-year period.

Expenses included business trips and leisure travel to the UK, Ireland, and Europe.

The highest annual expenditure was £21,517 in the 2019/20 financial year.

The lowest annual expenditure was £458 in the 2020/21 financial year.

All requested information was released without any exemptions applied.


Information on $$ Malaysian Endorsement

Summary: The requester sought statistics on Business Migrant visa endorsements and details on the decision-making process for a specific refused application. The Department for Enterprise disclosed total application numbers and the general assessment workflow but withheld specific details regarding the individual decision-makers involved in the refusal.

Total applications received since inception (May 2019) are 302.

Applications are split between 152 for the Innovator route and 150 for the Start Up route.

The decision-making process involves a Case Officer who may consult with internal agencies or external experts.

Information regarding the specific roles and titles of decision-makers for the refused application was withheld.

The response was issued on 2 April 2025 following a request received on 18 March 2025.


Memo

Summary: The requester asked for the upload date of a memo regarding a £20 million supplementary vote for the Department of Health & Social Care. The Office of the Clerk of Tynwald refused to disclose the date, citing an exemption because the information is held for future publication.

The request was received on 18 March 2025 and closed on 24 April 2025.

The information was withheld under section 41 of the Freedom of Information Act.

The memo concerns a supplementary vote for the Department of Health & Social Care for 2024-25.

The President of Tynwald planned to announce the upload timing during the April sitting on 22 April 2025.

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

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


Purchase of 20mph signs

Summary: A request for details on the purchase of 20mph road signs and related hardware was partially fulfilled by the Department of Infrastructure, with some information withheld under Section 30 exemptions.

The Department of Infrastructure is rolling out 20mph signs in Douglas, Onchan, and Port St Mary.

Correspondence involves suppliers Hirst Signs and YESS Electrical for signs, posts, and clips.

Emails confirm the authorization of Purchase Orders and invoices for payment processing.

Specific quantities mentioned include a potential order of 100 signs and 3000mm posts.

Multiple sections of the response were redacted citing Section 30 of the Freedom of Information Act.


How much will it cost to change relevant signage to 20mph?

Summary: The request sought the total cost and contractor details for implementing 20mph signage across the Isle of Man. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed a total estimated cost of £400,000 and identified Hirst Signs Ltd, CCJ Group Limited, and in-house staff as the providers for different areas.

The total estimated cost for implementing 20mph speed limits across all island settlements is £400,000.

Hirst Signs Ltd holds the framework agreement for the supply of road signage.

CCJ Group Limited was commissioned for signage installation in the Douglas and Onchan areas.

Installation works for the Port St Mary area were carried out in-house by the Department's own workforce.

The request was received on 19 March 2025 and the response was issued on 15 April 2025.


Ballakermeen - numbers of EAL and SEN pupils

Summary: A request for EAL and SEN pupil numbers, staff details, and budget for Ballakermeen High School was partially fulfilled, with specific roll and language data provided while EAL/SEN counts and budget figures were withheld due to unavailability.

EAL and SEN pupil numbers for September 2024 and 2025 were not available at the time of response.

The school does not record nationality but collects first language data for non-English speakers.

There is one full-time dedicated EAL Principal Education Support Officer (PESO) at the school.

Four supply EAL assistants support the school on a one-day-per-week basis.

The EAL support team serves approximately 40 students.

Information not held by the school (nationality data)

Information not available at the time of response (EAL/SEN counts)

Redaction of figures for five or less pupils to protect privacy


Henry Bloom Noble School- numbers of EAL and SEN pupils

Summary: The request sought detailed statistics on EAL and SEN pupils, staffing, and budgets at Henry Bloom Noble School for September 2024 and early 2025. The Department of Education provided pupil counts, new joiner data, and native language breakdowns, but withheld nationality data due to lack of records and redacted specific language counts for small groups to protect privacy.

As of April 2, 2025, the school had 142 SEN pupils and 144 EAL pupils.

The total school roll as of April 2, 2025, was 401 students.

Since September 2024, there were 31 new EAL joiners and 14 new SEN joiners.

The school does not hold nationality data for EAL pupils, only native language information.

Specific language counts for groups of five or fewer pupils were redacted to prevent identification.

Information relating to five or less pupils (privacy/redaction)


Cronk Y Berry School- numbers of EAL and SEN pupils

Summary: The request sought detailed statistics on EAL and SEN pupils, class sizes, staffing, and budgets for Cronk Y Berry School. The Department of Education provided pupil counts and class sizes but withheld specific nationality data and new joiner figures due to lack of records or privacy exemptions.

In September 2024, there were 115 SEN pupils and 59 EAL pupils on the roll.

By April 2025, SEN pupil numbers decreased to 113 while EAL numbers increased to 64.

The total school roll as of April 4, 2025, was 289 students.

The school does not hold data on pupil nationalities, only native languages.

Information regarding new joiners with EAL/SEN needs was redacted to protect privacy.

Section 20 of the Act (information already reasonably accessible)

Information relating to five or less pupils (privacy exemption)


Scoill yn Jubilee- numbers of EAL and SEN pupils

Summary: The request sought detailed statistics on EAL and SEN pupils, staffing, and budgets for Scoill yn Jubilee, resulting in partial disclosure of current roll numbers, staffing levels, and specific budget figures while some data was withheld or redirected to public sources.

The total school roll as of 2nd April 2025 is 315 pupils.

The school employs 17 support staff (7 Senior and 10 Education Support Officers) with a full-time equivalent of 9.16.

The SEN Support Budget for 2024/25 is £245,184, while the specific EAL budget for the school is listed as 0.

The Department holds a central EAL budget of £353,786 for 2024/25.

Information on specific nationalities was not provided as it would require creating new data, though an appendix was referenced.

Requirement to create or derive information (not required under the Act)


St Mary's - numbers of EAL and SEN pupils

Summary: The request sought detailed statistics on EAL and SEN pupils, staffing, and budgets at St Mary's School for 2024-2025. The Department of Education provided current pupil counts and class sizes but redacted specific data on new joiners and certain nationalities to protect privacy, while noting that no dedicated EAL teacher exists.

As of March 2025, there are 56 children on the SEN Register and 106 with EAL at St Mary's School.

The total school roll as of 1st April 2025 is 280 pupils across 13 classes.

There were 28 new joiners since September 2024 with EAL or SEN needs, though specific breakdowns for SEN-only and both categories were redacted.

The school does not employ a dedicated EAL teacher; EAL pupils are taught in mainstream classes.

The SEN leader is out of class for 2 days per week, and there are no dedicated SEN assistants.

Information relating to five or less pupils


Election Eligibility

Summary: A request was made for correspondence regarding candidate eligibility between the Cabinet Office and Port Erin Commissioners from January 2022 to April 2025. The Cabinet Office responded that it does not hold the requested information, noting that such queries are often resolved via unrecorded telephone calls.

The Cabinet Office confirmed it does not hold the requested correspondence.

Candidate eligibility is typically referenced in publicly available guidance documents.

Communication regarding election queries often occurs via telephone without a written record.

The requester was advised to contact Port Erin Commissioners directly for further information.

The request was formally closed on 1 April 2025.


Percentages

Summary: The requester asked for night shift statistics for Port Security supervisors over six years and details on percentage payments over 20 years, but the Department of Home Affairs stated it does not hold this information.

The Department of Home Affairs does not hold the requested information regarding night shifts or percentage payments.

Port Security functions transferred from the Department of Infrastructure to the Isle of Man Constabulary in 2024.

The Isle of Man Constabulary is treated as independent from Government for FOI purposes.

Requesters are advised to contact the Isle of Man Constabulary for the information.

A previous FOI response from the Department of Infrastructure (Case ID: 4345205) may contain relevant data on percentages paid.


Manx Care Improvement Directors

Summary: A request was made for details on Improvement Directors advising Manx Care, including costs and contract terms, but no information was disclosed as it was deemed exempt under data protection and commercial interest laws.

The request was received on 2025-03-20 and the response was issued on 2025-04-23.

Manx Care withheld all requested information regarding Improvement Directors.

Personal data exemptions were applied because disclosure would contravene GDPR principles.

Commercial interest exemptions were applied to protect Manx Care's future procurement competitiveness.

The public interest test concluded that maintaining the exemption outweighed the interest in transparency.

Section 25 (Absolutely exempt personal information)

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


Douglas Drone Show

Summary: The requester asked for the total cost and ancillary expenses for a drone show in Douglas scheduled for March 2025. The Department for Enterprise disclosed that they supported a £1,800 application to the Domestic Event Fund, but noted that the fund had not yet paid out against the application.

The Department for Enterprise supported an application to the Domestic Event Fund for the drone show.

The application was submitted by Douglas City Council.

The requested funding amount was £1,800.

As of the response date, the Domestic Event Fund had not paid out against the application.

The fund reviews applications based on potential footfall for each event.


Correspondence between the UK Ministry of Justice and Peter Boxer 2020

Summary: The requester asked for correspondence between Peter Boxer and the UK Ministry of Justice regarding 2020 events at Abbotswood nursing home. The Cabinet Office responded that it does not hold the requested information.

The request was made to the Isle of Man Cabinet Office.

The information sought concerns events at Abbotswood nursing home in Ballasalla.

The specific time period requested was 1st March to 30th September 2020.

The authority confirmed it does not hold the requested correspondence.


Signage

Summary: A request for details on the purchase of 20mph signage across the Isle of Man was partially fulfilled, with specific dates, quantities, and locations disclosed, but exact costs were withheld under commercial interest exemptions.

Signage for Port St Mary was ordered on 22 January 2025, while signage for Douglas and Onchan was ordered on 7 February 2025.

A total of 116 signs for the 20mph speed limit have been ordered.

Specific costs for the signs were exempted under section 30(2)(b) to protect commercial interests.

An estimated 106 signs are designated for Douglas and Onchan, and 10 for Port St Mary.

The overall estimated cost of the 20mph speed limit project is approximately £400,000.

Section 30(2)(b) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Commercial interests)


Data on IBD on the island

Summary: A request was made for coded patient data on Inflammatory Bowel Disease across Isle of Man GP surgeries to aid service development, 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 patient data.

Most Group Practices on the island are private organizations not subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

The requester was advised to contact Manx Care or the Public Health Directorate for potential data.

The Department was redesigned on 1 April 2021 following Sir Jonathan Michael's Independent Review.

Ballasalla Group Practice is the only exception noted regarding the private status of practices.

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


Request for documentation

Summary: The requester asked for documentation regarding the capping of special duty pay for Manx Care employees, but no information was sent because the authority stated the data is already reasonably accessible to the public.

The request was made to Manx Care on 2025-03-25.

The response was issued on 2025-04-17 with the outcome 'No information sent - all held but exempt'.

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

A specific URL was provided where the requested pay terms and conditions can be found.

The request was closed on the date of the response.


Cost

Summary: The requester asked for the projected cost of Mountain Road works and any assessment of the economic impact of the closure. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed the total cost of the works but confirmed that no economic impact assessment was conducted.

The cost of the roadworks on the Mountain Road is £836,000.

No assessment was carried out to measure the economic impact of the road closure.

The request was received on 25 March 2025 and responded to on 17 April 2025.

The authority handling the request is the Department of Infrastructure.

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


IOM Primary Schools: Pupil Progress - Data & Analysis 22/23 & 23/24

Summary: The request sought pupil progress data and performance analysis for Isle of Man primary schools for the 2022/23 and 2023/24 academic years. The Department of Education, Sport and Culture released partial information, including specific progress statistics for Andreas, Ballacottier, and Ballasalla schools, while withholding some data under exemptions.

The request covered all Island Primary Schools except Dhoon, Laxey, and Willaston for academic years 22/23 and 23/24.

Data includes achievement against prior attainment by subject (English, Reading, Writing, S&L, Science, Maths) and year group.

Performance assessments categorize schools as 'Highly Effective', 'Effective', or 'Requires Improvement' based on sub-level progress.

Andreas School data shows 64 pupils in the 22/23 cohort with varying progress percentages across subjects.

Ballasalla Primary School achieved a 'Highly Effective' overall judgement for Key Stage 1 in July 2023.


Cost and reason for private number plates

Summary: The requester asked for the cost, quantity, and justification for private 999 number plates used by the Isle of Man Fire Service over the past 10 years. The Department of Home Affairs disclosed that the plates are a long-standing tradition rather than a strict necessity, but withheld specific cost and quantity data as that information is held by the Department of Infrastructure.

The use of 999 private number plates is not strictly necessary but is a long-standing tradition for fleet identification.

Plates are typically reused and transferred to replacement vehicles to maintain continuity.

The Department of Home Affairs does not hold data on the buying, selling, or registration costs of number plates.

Responsibility for number plate registration lies with the Department of Infrastructure.

The requester was directed to contact Shared Fleet Services or the Department of Infrastructure for specific statistics.

Information not held by the authority (Department of Home Affairs)


Human resources policies

Summary: A request was made for policies and employee counts regarding service and emotional support animals within the Isle of Man Government. The Cabinet Office responded that it does not hold this specific information, noting that the Public Services Commission has a general Pets at Work Policy that excludes these categories.

The Cabinet Office does not hold information on policies for service or emotional support animals.

The Public Services Commission has a Pets at Work Policy that does not reference service or emotional support animals.

Other Government Departments may have their own policies not held by the Cabinet Office.

The Equality Act 2017 requires reasonable adjustments for disabilities, which may cover trained support animals.

No specific employee counts for animals of either type were provided.


Meeting with Chief Executive of IOMG

Summary: The request sought questions, minutes, and communications regarding a March 2025 meeting between the Public Services Commission Chair and the Isle of Man Government Chief Executive. The authority disclosed the list of prepared questions but indicated that not all requested information was held.

The request was made on 2025-03-25 and responded to on 2025-04-22 by the Cabinet Office.

Rob Callister, Chair of the Public Services Commission, prepared questions for Andy Ralphs, the Chief Executive Officer.

The disclosed document contains questions regarding the CEO's first 16 months in post, KPIs, and staffing performance.

The outcome was 'Some information sent but not all held', implying minutes or communications were not provided.

The meeting in question took place on or shortly after 5 March 2025.


DoI MHK

Summary: The requester asked the Cabinet Office for the number of emails received in support of 20mph zones and general context. The Cabinet Office responded that they do not hold this information and suggested contacting the Department of Infrastructure instead.

The request was received on 2025-03-25 and responded to on 2025-03-26.

The Cabinet Office confirmed it does not hold the requested information regarding email counts for 20mph zones.

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

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


Resettlement Day Release

Summary: The requester asked for a five-year record detailing the destination of the 20% wage deduction taken by the prison from RDR contracts. The Department of Home Affairs provided a partial transaction list but withheld specific personal data and the identities of local suppliers due to exemptions.

The request concerned the 20% wage deduction from RDR contracts over the last 5 years.

A PDF copy of the RDR transaction list was attached to the response.

Personal data was withheld under Section 25(2) as absolutely exempt.

Identities of local businesses were withheld under Section 30(2)(b) to protect commercial interests.

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

Section 25(2) – Absolutely Exempt Personal Data


Cost of House of Keys and tynwald questions

Summary: The requester asked for the average cost of researching parliamentary questions and the number of questions asked by Jason Moorhouse MHK. The Cabinet Office stated it does not hold cost data as officers do not account for time in that manner, but directed the requester to the Clerk of Tynwald for the question count.

The Cabinet Office does not hold information on the average cost of researching parliamentary questions.

Officers do not account for their time in a way that allows calculation of research costs.

The Clerk of Tynwald's Office is the recommended contact for data on questions asked by Jason Moorhouse MHK.

Responding to parliamentary questions is treated as a priority over other work due to their unpredictable nature.

The request was formally closed on 9 April 2025.


Rheumatology Department

Summary: A request was made for complaint statistics and UK transfer rates for the Rheumatology Department at Noble's Hospital over five years. Manx Care disclosed the total number of complaints and their proportion relative to other departments but refused to provide transfer data as it is not held in recorded form.

Between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2024, there were 50 complaints regarding the Rheumatology Department.

Rheumatology complaints represent approximately 2.93% of the 1,705 total complaints across all hospital departments in the same period.

Data on the percentage of patients requesting care transfer to the UK is not held in a structured format.

The authority cited Section 20(1)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 to withhold transfer statistics.

The request was received on 26 March 2025 and the response was issued on 10 April 2025.

Section 20(1)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 – Information not held in recorded form


Jurby airfield

Summary: The requester asked for information regarding discussions about Jurby airfield, but the Department of Infrastructure refused to provide new documents under Section 20 of the Act, stating the information is already reasonably accessible via previous FOI responses.

The request was received on 2025-03-26 and responded to on 2025-03-28.

The authority cited Section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 to withhold information.

The response directs the requester to five specific previous FOI reference numbers containing the requested data.

The Department of Infrastructure is the responding authority based in Douglas.

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

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


MNH Biodiversity Fund

Summary: A request was made for details regarding the Manx National Heritage (MNH) Biodiversity Fund, including its balance, rules, and application history. The authority disclosed that the fund was established in 2012/13 with an initial £25,000 but was never open to applications and no longer exists as of 2024.

The MNH Biodiversity Fund was established in the financial year 2012/13.

The fund was never open to public applications and no projects were funded.

The fund no longer exists as of the 31 March 2024 financial year.

The Manx Museum and National Trust (MMNT) remains the fund holder and administrator.

The fund was intended to support local biodiversity projects aligned with DEFA's Biodiversity Action Plans.


First Time Buyers Scheme

Summary: The requester asked for statistics on First Time Buyer allocations, specific offers for the Jurby development, and the property offering process. The Department of Infrastructure directed the requester to online resources for general statistics and confirmed that three applicants have been offered homes in the new Ballaglionney development in Jurby.

Statistics for 'First Home Fixed' and 'First Home Choice' schemes are published quarterly on the government website.

The 'First Time Buyer Reporting and Allocations Policy' is available for download online.

Three applicants to the Shared Equity Purchase Assistance Scheme have been offered homes in the Ballaglionney development in Jurby.

The Ballaglionney development in Jurby is currently being constructed by Hartford Homes.

The request was received on 27 March 2025 and closed on 15 April 2025.

27 March 2025
15 April 2025
three applicants
4545037


Approved Business Cases for Consultant Radiologist from 2019 to 2023

Summary: The requester sought details of approved business cases for Consultant Radiologists between 2019 and 2022, and the authority provided a partial response containing a business case document dated February 2020 regarding a Breast Radiologist role.

The response includes a business case document from the Department of Health & Social Care dated February 2020.

The proposal aims to address a 71% increase in ultrasound interventional workload over five years.

The role is intended to support compliance with NICE guidelines and Cancer Network targets.

The business case highlights the need for a Director of Breast Screening following a 2017 incident.

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


Inquiry on Postage Costs and Transition to Electronic Communication

Summary: The requester asked for postage costs for 2022-2024 and details on transitioning to electronic communication, but the Department of Health and Social Care refused the request stating the information is not held by them.

The Department of Health and Social Care does not hold the requested information on postage costs or electronic transition initiatives.

The information is likely held by Manx Care, a separate entity responsible for service delivery.

The Department was redesigned on 1 April 2021 following Sir Jonathan Michael's Independent Review.

The redesign separated policy setting (Department) from service delivery (Manx Care).

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

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


New 20mph limit

Summary: The request sought confirmation on which areas had purchased 20mph speed limit signage and the specific costs incurred. The Department of Infrastructure confirmed signage was purchased for Port St Mary, Douglas, and Onchan, but withheld specific costs citing commercial interests, while providing overall project estimates.

Signage for the proposed 20mph speed limit has been purchased for Port St Mary, Douglas, and Onchan.

Specific costs to taxpayers were withheld under section 30(2)(b) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

The exemption was applied to protect the commercial interests of suppliers and future procurement negotiations.

The overall estimated cost of the 20mph speed limit project is approximately £400,000.

The estimated cost allocated specifically to Douglas and Onchan is £136,000.


St Ninians Upper School

Summary: The request sought confirmation of asbestos presence and inspection frequency at St Ninian's Upper School. The Department of Education confirmed asbestos-containing materials exist and are managed, with full surveys conducted every ten years and annual visual inspections now in place.

St Ninian's Upper School contains asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

ACMs are managed in place through encapsulation and targeted refurbishment surveys.

Asbestos Management Surveys are completed every ten years.

Annual visual inspections were introduced as part of the 2025 Asbestos Management Plan.

Isle of Man legislation acknowledges buildings constructed before 2000 likely contain asbestos.


Leasing two plots of land situated next to Druidale Farm

Summary: A request was made for all Treasury documentation regarding the leasing of two plots of land next to Druidale Farm. The authority partially disclosed information by providing extracts from two 2012 Treasury Board meetings and two additional documents, while withholding some content under exemptions.

The request was submitted to the Treasury on 2025-04-01.

The outcome was determined on 2025-04-30 as 'Some information sent but part exempt'.

Disclosed documents include extracts from Treasury Board meetings held on 12 December 2012 and 19 December 2012.

Two additional documents (Document 3 and Document 4) were released.

The total response consisted of 6 pages across 1 document file.

2025-04-01
2025-04-30
12 December 2012
19 December 2012
6 pages
1 document
two plots


Houses of multiple occupancy

Summary: The requester asked for statistics on registered Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs) and the number of properties known to be non-compliant with fire legislation. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture disclosed the total number of registered HMOs and inspection details but stated it does not hold records on the number of unregistered or non-compliant properties.

There are 21 registered Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs) on the Isle of Man.

19 of the registered HMOs were registered prior to 2023.

The Department does not operate a proactive inspection program for HMOs.

The Department does not keep records of how many unregistered HMOs fail to meet fire safety requirements.

Registration typically requires a letter of conformity from the fire service confirming compliance.

Information not held by the public authority


Freedom of Information Consultation

Summary: The requester sought evidence regarding Cabinet Office decisions on FOI policy, administrative burdens, and specific meeting minutes, while the authority partially upheld the request by providing 2023 statistics on Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs) and Freedom of Information (FOI) volumes across government departments.

The Office of Cybersecurity and Information Assurance (OCSIA) reported cross-government statistics for 2023.

Manx Care (MxC) received the highest volume of DSARs with 668 requests in 2023.

The Cabinet Office (CabO) recorded 50 DSARs in 2023.

Time spent processing DSARs is not systematically monitored or recorded across the government.

The response included raw figures and a chart illustrating DSAR distribution by department.


Headteachers' Reports to Governing Bodies (Selected Schools)

Summary: The request sought Headteachers' Reports for Island Secondary and Executive Primary Schools for the 2023-24 academic year, and the response partially upheld the request by disclosing the January 2024 report for Castle Rushen High School.

Castle Rushen High School had a total roll of 919 students in January 2024, an increase of 28 from the previous year.

School attendance averaged 87.0% during the October to December 2023 reporting period.

There were 20 students on modified timetables not receiving full-time education.

Significant maintenance works were completed including storm damage repairs, kitchen extractor remedial works, and vandalism repairs to toilets.

The school anticipates a large Year 7 cohort of over 150 pupils starting in September 2024.

919 students
increase of 28
170 Year 7 students
87.0% attendance
20 students on modified timetables
25 hours/week
January 2024
October 2023 – December 2023
September 2024
150 pupils


Presentations or Briefings from Manx Care to the DHSC

Summary: The requester sought presentations and briefing documents shared between Manx Care and the DHSC regarding service reductions in January-February 2025. Manx Care released a public communication detailing urgent financial measures and service suspensions but withheld specific briefing materials citing exemptions for personal data.

Manx Care faces a projected deficit of £35 million by the end of the financial year.

Non-urgent elective operations and off-island care are suspended until March/April 2025.

A recruitment and vacancy freeze is in effect until April 2025.

Some requested briefing documents were withheld as they contain personal data.

The response included 13 documents totaling 23 pages.

£35 million
1st January 2025
1st February 2025
March/April 2025
April 2025
FY 2024/25
23 pages
13 documents
2025-03-31
2025-06-10

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


Summary: The request sought presentations and briefings between Manx Care and the DHSC from January to February 2025, resulting in the disclosure of documents detailing the 2025-26 Mandate and Operating Plan, though some information was withheld under exemptions.

The DHSC and Manx Care held Board to Board Roundtables on 8th and 14th January 2025 to discuss the 2025-26 Operating Plan.

Key priorities for 2025-26 include fully integrated health services, early intervention, and maintaining spending within a £357m financial envelope.

Manx Care is tasked with reconfiguring service delivery to drive efficiency, including slowing elective activity and exploring alternative care models.

Challenges identified in the planning process include governance autonomy, data availability, workforce culture, and statutory compliance timelines.

The final Operating Plan was targeted for completion in the week commencing 20th January 2025, with operational delivery ready for 1st April.

1st January 2025
1st February 2025
8th January 2025
14th January 2025
20th January 2025
1st April
£357m
2025-26
58 pages
4 documents


List of Freemasons holding Tynwald roles

Summary: The request sought lists of Chief Ministers, Speakers, Presidents of Tynwald, and Chairmen of the Executive Council who were Freemasons. The authority disclosed three individuals who declared Freemasonry interests since October 2011 but noted that information regarding the Chairman of the Executive Council prior to 2011 is outside the scope of the Freedom of Information Act.

Juan Watterson (Speaker of the House) declared membership in the United Grand Lodge of England, Rushen Lodge, and Tynwald Chapter.

Geoff Corkish (Deputy Speaker) declared an interest in Freemasonry between October 2011 and March 2013.

Leonard Singer (Deputy Speaker) declared membership in Lezayre Lodge between March 2013 and 2016.

The term 'Chairman of the Executive Council' was used prior to 2011, and the FOI Act only applies to information created on or after 11 October 2011.

No Chief Ministers or Presidents of Tynwald were identified as Freemasons in the provided response.

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


Cair vie windfarm proposal - Costs to date

Summary: A request for a detailed cost breakdown of the Cair Vie windfarm proposal was partially fulfilled by Manx Utilities Authority, which disclosed specific consultancy and supplier costs but withheld project management and travel expenses due to lack of specific data or public availability.

Manx Utilities Authority spent a total of £3,138,932.97 on consultancy fees for the project.

Project management and coordination costs are not broken down specifically for the windfarm as they are included in the Transition Programme overall costs.

No payments have been made to windfarm developers to date.

Payments to suppliers in respect of the project total £16,348.22.

Travel expenses booked to a generic code cannot be broken down by project.

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


Cair vie windfarm staffing

Summary: The requester asked for staffing numbers, officer time estimates, and involved departments for the Cairn Vie windfarm project. Manx Utilities disclosed that one full-time staff member is allocated to the project and listed the involved departments, but stated they do not hold records of total officer time spent.

One full-time member of staff is currently allocated specifically to the windfarm project.

Support is provided as needed from other Manx Utilities departments and various Government departments.

Manx Utilities does not hold records of time spent by all staff or officers involved in the project.

Involved Manx Utilities units include Executive, Energy Transition, Network Services, and Finance among others.

Involved Government departments include DOI, DEFA, DHA, and Treasury.

Information not held or cannot be found after taking reasonable steps


Contribution from Bride Commissioners to NCAS from 1st April 2025

Summary: The request sought details on the financial contribution from Bride Commissioners to the Northern Civic Amenity Site (NCAS) and related correspondence since January 2025. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed all information, including emails confirming the agreement, the transfer of contingency funds, and the signed contract for site operation.

Bride Commissioners agreed to an amicable arrangement with the Department of Infrastructure regarding the NCAS.

Ramsey Town Commissioners will operate the site under contract to the Department.

Funds built up by the NCAS Committee are to be transferred to the Government as contingency.

Local authority payments are anticipated to be made on a quarterly basis.

A signed contract for the payment for the use of the site was exchanged in late March 2025.

1st April 2025
1st January 2025
19 March 2025
17 Mar 2025
31 March 2025
28 March 2025
23 pages
2 documents


Migrant funding

Summary: A request was made to Manx Care for detailed financial data regarding payments and benefits provided to refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants. The authority responded that the information is not held and cannot be created without exceeding statutory requirements.

Manx Care does not hold the requested information on migrant funding.

The authority stated that creating the data would require deriving information not mandated by the Act.

The request was received on 2 April 2025 and the response was issued on 6 May 2025.

The response suggests the Cabinet Office may be able to assist with the inquiry.

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

S11(3)(b) - Information not held or cannot be found after reasonable steps

Section 8(3) - Public authority not required to create or derive information


Migrant funding

Summary: A request was made to the Department of Health and Social Care for detailed financial data regarding payments to refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants. The department refused the request, stating that the information is not held by them and may be held by the Treasury.

The request was received on 2025-04-02 and responded to on 2025-04-17.

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

The information may be held by the Treasury.

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 Treasury.


Kewaigue Primary School

Summary: A request was made for current and projected student numbers and capacity data for Kewaigue Primary School. The Department of Education refused to provide the information, citing that it is already reasonably accessible via a previous Freedom of Information response.

The request was received on 2 April 2025 and responded to on 3 April 2025.

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

The requested data is available under a previous case ID: 4504501.

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

The requester was advised to consult the disclosure log for the existing information.

Section 20 of the Act (Information already reasonably accessible)


Cair Vie Windfarm EIA criteria

Summary: The requester asked for specific criteria and internal guidance regarding the Environmental Impact Assessment for the Cair Vie Wind Farm. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture refused to provide the information, stating it was already reasonably accessible via published scoping reports.

The request concerned the Cair Vie Wind Farm project's Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) criteria.

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

The department directed the requester to a scoping report and scoping opinion available on the government website.

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

The response was issued on 2 May 2025, closing the request.

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


Port Erin Beach Huts

Summary: The requester asked for clarification on whether a revised planning application was submitted for Port Erin Beach Huts regarding permanent concrete bases. The authority responded that no information was sent because the relevant planning details are already reasonably accessible online under Section 20 of the Act.

The request concerned a potential revision to a planning application for Port Erin Beach Huts.

The original application stated huts would be on removable sleepers, but concrete bases were left in situ.

The authority refused to provide the information under Section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

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

The authority directed the requester to search for planning reference 21/00417/B online.


People in support/objective of 20mh zones

Summary: The requester asked for the number and context of emails received by the Department of Infrastructure Minister supporting or objecting to 20mph zones. The authority responded that some information was sent but not all was held, providing correspondence regarding the implementation process and consultation rather than a statistical count of public emails.

The request targeted emails sent to Michelle.Haywood@gov.im regarding 20mph zones.

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

Correspondence reveals dissatisfaction from MHK Rob Callister regarding the lack of a comprehensive list of proposed changes.

A consultation for the Living Streets Douglas Central 20mph scheme took place between April and June 2023.

20mph zone schemes prepared in 2021 were declined funding by the Treasury.

20mph
April and June 2023
2021
26 March 2025
19th March
21st February 2023
June 2023
42 pages
2 documents


Employee suspensions

Summary: A request for suspension statistics, templates, and guidance from the Department of Education, Sport and Culture resulted in the disclosure of disciplinary procedures for teachers and lecturers, while statistical data was withheld due to privacy exemptions and no standard template was found.

Suspension statistics were withheld because they constitute personal data of five or fewer individuals.

The department does not hold a standard template for suspension letters as they are tailored to individual circumstances.

Disciplinary procedure documents were provided for both teachers and lecturers.

The public interest test determined that staff privacy outweighed the benefit of transparency for the statistical data.

The response was issued on 8th May 2025 regarding a request received on 8th April 2025.

section 8 of the Data Protection Act 2002

Section 8 of the Data Protection Act 2002 (Personal Data)

Section 39 (Qualified Exemption/Public Interest Test)

Section 20 (Information already reasonably accessible)


Dredging costs

Summary: The request sought monthly dredging costs for Douglas harbour and arrears for the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company over the last 48 months. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed specific costs for the Inner Harbour/Marina in 2023 and 2024, and the Outer Harbour in March 2025, but did not provide the requested monthly breakdown or arrears data.

The request covered a 48-month period for dredging costs and harbour arrears.

Douglas Inner Harbour/Marina dredging cost £11,550.00 in 2023.

No dredging was performed at the Douglas Inner Harbour/Marina in 2024, resulting in £0 cost.

Douglas Outer Harbour dredging cost £69,929.04 in March 2025.

The authority did not provide the requested monthly breakdown for the full 48 months or details on arrears.


Peel GP PRACTICE appointments

Summary: A request was made for monthly appointment statistics at Peel GP Practice since April 2018, but the Department of Health and Social Care refused to provide the information as it is not held by them.

The Department of Health and Social Care does not hold the requested appointment data for Peel GP Practice.

Peel GP Practice is a private entity contracted by Manx Care and is not classified as a Public Authority under the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

The requester is advised to re-apply their request to Manx Care for any information held under their contract.

The response cites Section 11(3)a of the Act as the practical reason for refusal.

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


Castletown Square

Summary: The requester asked for documentation regarding the economic impact and consultation on the permanent closure of Castletown Square as a car park. The Department for Enterprise responded that it does not hold any such information as it was not consulted on the decision, which was made by the Castletown Commissioners.

The Department for Enterprise does not hold information relating to the closure of Castletown Square.

The department was not involved in discussions or decisions regarding the permanent closure of the square to vehicular parking.

The closure was requested by the Castletown Commissioners, not the Department for Infrastructure (DoI).

The Department for Enterprise typically only consults on temporary road closures that impact the local economy.

The requester was advised to contact the Castletown Commissioners directly for a Freedom of Information request.


Licences granted under the Wildlife Act

Summary: The requester asked for Wildlife Act licence applications and grants related to the proposed Cair Vie wind farm ecological surveys. The authority released some licences issued in 2025 but withheld personal data under an absolute exemption, noting no applications were received in 2024.

No licence applications were received for the Cair Vie wind farm in 2024.

Licences issued in 2025 to individuals for ecological surveys were included in the response.

Licences are granted to individuals or organisations, not to specific developments or sites.

Some information was withheld because it constitutes personal data of non-requesters.

Disclosure of the withheld information would contravene data protection principles under the GDPR.

Section 25(b)(i)&(ii) – Absolutely exempt personal information

Data Protection (Application of GDPR) Order 2018

Article 5 of the General Data Protection Regulation


KWC

Summary: A request for internal and external communications regarding a £2.2m loan to King William's College was refused as all information was held but exempt under Section 30 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

The Department for Enterprise determined that releasing the communications would harm the commercial interests of the business and the Isle of Man's economy.

The authority stated that sufficient information regarding the loan has already been disclosed via media releases and the House of Keys.

The request was received on 8 April 2025 and the final outcome was issued on 22 May 2025.

The department argued that disclosure could dissuade other businesses from applying for financial support due to confidentiality concerns.

Section 30: Economy and Commercial Interests


Isle of Man prison staffing, inmates and issues

Summary: The Department of Home Affairs responded to a Freedom of Information request regarding Isle of Man prison staffing levels and turnover from 2020 to May 2025, providing detailed monthly headcount and churn data while withholding information on bullying complaints, contracted hours, and length of service.

The response covers prison staff data from January 2020 through May 2025.

Casual staff with 0 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) hours were excluded from all headcount figures.

The request was split into four parts, with this response constituting Part 1 of 4.

Data includes monthly breakdowns of male and female staff headcounts and the number of starters and leavers.

Information regarding bullying complaints, contracted hours, and length of service per leaver was not held or provided in this part.

Information cannot be found after taking reasonable steps


Incumbent Speaker's portrait - alterations

Summary: The requester asked for a recent photograph of Speaker Juan Watterson's portrait and details regarding any alterations made since its unveiling. The authority provided the photograph and confirmed that no alterations have been made to the portrait since it was unveiled.

A recent photograph of Speaker Juan Watterson's portrait was provided, taken on 24 April 2025.

The portrait is currently hanging in the Members Room of Legislative Buildings.

The authority confirmed there have been no alterations to the portrait following its unveiling.

The actual unveiling date was Friday, 21 October 2022, correcting the requester's belief of 25 October 2022.

The request was processed by the Office of the Clerk of Tynwald under reference number 4576985.


Net zero campaign

Summary: The applicant requested analytics, feedback, and evaluation data for the Isle of Man's Net Zero Campaign from January 2022 to present. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture released most requested data via appendices and online links, though some demographic breakdowns were withheld as they were not held by the authority.

The request covered analytics, public feedback, and internal assessment documents for the Net Zero Campaign.

Data for four specific surveys was provided, including the Small Changes campaign and IGR Climate Change Insights.

Some requested information was directed to publicly available online sources under Section 20 of the Act.

The authority stated it does not hold specific demographic breakdowns for some respondents.

The response was finalized on 12 May 2025 with an outcome of 'All information sent'.

249 responses
20 responses
27 responses
1445 responses
January 2022
10 April 2025
12 May 2025
23 August 2024
04 October 2024
February 2025
12 May 2023
17 March 2023

Section 20 – Information accessible to applicant by other means

Information not held by the public authority


Castletown Rates Information (Debtors & Rateable Value of Properties)

Summary: The Treasury disclosed total rate debt and debtor counts for Castletown over the last five financial years but refused to provide current rateable values by address, citing that the information is already reasonably accessible via the Valuations Office.

Total rate arrears for Castletown increased from £3,517.14 in 2020/21 to £52,343.16 in 2024/25.

The number of properties with rate arrears rose from 4 in 2020/21 to 80 in 2024/25.

Part 3 of the request for rateable values by address was refused under Section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

The Treasury directed the requester to the Valuations Office to inspect and copy valuation records free of charge.

The request was received on 10 April 2025 and the final response was issued on 7 May 2025.


Castletown Social Housing Rent Arrears Debt

Summary: The request sought specific rent arrears debt figures and debtor details for Castletown social housing as of the end of the 2024-25 financial year, along with the relevant policy. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed the extant policy document but indicated that not all requested information was held.

The request was made on 2025-04-10 and the outcome was issued on 2025-05-06.

The authority responded that some information was sent but not all was held.

The disclosed document is the 'Guidance for Housing Authorities on the Management of Arrears and Prevention of Evictions in Public Sector Housing' (June 2021 Rev 1.0).

The policy outlines a three-stage process for rent arrears: Preventative Action (Green), Initial Formal Action (Amber), and Formal/Legal Action (Red).

The policy states eviction should only be used as a last resort after other methods fail.


Student grants

Summary: The requester asked for confirmation that the Department of Education, Sport and Culture adheres to the 2019 Act regarding independent university student grants. The authority refused to fulfill the request, stating it was not required to answer questions or provide opinions, and that the information was not adequately described to be located.

The request was received on 10 April 2025 and the outcome was issued on 12 May 2025.

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture determined it does not hold or cannot find the requested information due to inadequate description.

The authority cited Section 8 of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2015, noting it does not require responses to questions, opinions, or yes/no answers.

The requester had previously sought clarification on 14 April 2025 but maintained their original stance.

Section 8 of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2015 (request for opinion/confirmation rather than held information)

Inadequate description of information preventing identification or location


Settlement Agreement

Summary: A request for information regarding the notice period, interview panel, and settlement agreement details for former CEO Andy Ralphs was partially fulfilled. The authority disclosed the interview panel members and a link for notice period regulations but withheld confirmation and value of any settlement agreement citing personal data exemptions.

The interview panel for Andy Ralphs' appointment included Hon Alfred Cannan, Hon Kate Lord-Brennan, Hon Jane Poole-Wilson, and Hon Juan Watterson.

Information regarding the existence and value of a settlement agreement with Andy Ralphs was neither confirmed nor denied.

The notice period for CEO grade is accessible via the Isle of Man Government HR website.

The Public Services Commission cited Section 25(2) of the FOI Act to withhold personal information about the settlement.

The response was issued on 7 May 2025 regarding a request received on 11 April 2025.

Section 25(2) (absolutely exempt personal information)


Cost for hire of tankers

Summary: A request was made to the Cabinet Office for the cost of hiring Bridman tankers used by Manx Utilities for sewage transfer over the last four years. The Cabinet Office responded that they do not hold this information and advised the requester to contact Manx Utilities directly.

The request concerned the hire costs of two Bridman tankers used for sewage transfer.

The tankers were reportedly on hire to Manx Utilities (MUA) for approximately four years.

The Cabinet Office confirmed it does not hold the requested financial information.

The requester was directed to submit a new FOI request to Manx Utilities.


Copy correspondence between Mr Bob Ringham & UK OPCAT

Summary: The requester sought correspondence regarding OPCAT protocols and the use of the Comis Hotel as a quarantine facility involving Mr Bob Ringham and Isle of Man officials. The Cabinet Office responded that it does not hold the requested information but directed the requester to an independent review by Kate Brunner, KC.

The Cabinet Office confirmed it does not hold the requested correspondence.

The request covered the period between February 2020 and December 2021.

The Comis Hotel was used as a quarantine/detention facility between March and June 2020.

The Independent Review into the Covid Pandemic by Kate Brunner, KC, covered the role of the National Preventative Mechanism.


Grant/Loan of Public Money to King William's College

Summary: The requester sought details regarding a £2.2 million loan to King William's College, but the authority responded with an unrelated letter demanding unpaid ground rent arrears for a Freeport property.

The FOI request concerned a c£2.2 million loan to King William's College.

The response provided was a letter regarding unpaid rent for Building D at the Freeport.

The response letter is dated 31st March 2026, which is after the outcome date of 2025-06-26.

The authority stated no ground rent payments had been received for the past six years.

The case outcome was recorded as 'Not upheld'.


Ecological surveys of onshore wind farm site

Summary: The requester asked for a list of ecological licences issued to Manx Utilities Authority for the Earystane and Scard wind farm, but the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture confirmed it holds no such information as no licences were issued.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture has not issued any licences to the Manx Utilities Authority for the requested wind farm project.

The authority does not hold the information requested regarding surveys deemed not needing a licence.

Some related information is available via a previous Freedom of Information request (reference 4572065).

The Disclosure Log was noted as currently unavailable at the time of response.

The request was formally closed on 9 May 2025.


Summary: The requester asked for a dated list of ecological surveys and DEFA licences for the Earystane and Scard wind farm sites. The Manx Utilities Authority responded that they do not hold this specific information as surveys are conducted by a third party, Wardell-Armstrong, who holds the necessary personal licences.

Manx Utilities Authority does not hold a full dated list of survey commencement dates.

Environmental Impact Assessment surveys are carried out by the contractor Wardell-Armstrong.

No licences have been issued directly to Manx Utilities Authority.

Ecological survey licences are held by individual ecologists at Wardell-Armstrong, not the authority.

Some survey timing details are available on the Manx Utilities website.


RTCs caused by vehicle defects

Summary: A request was made to the Department of Infrastructure for statistics on road traffic collisions caused by vehicle defects between 2022 and 2025. The authority responded that it does not hold this information and suggested contacting the Department of Home Affairs instead.

The Department of Infrastructure does not hold the requested information on vehicle defect-related collisions.

The request covered the period from 1 January 2022 to 1 January 2025.

The Department of Home Affairs is identified as the likely holder of the relevant data.

The request was formally closed on 17 April 2025.

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


Tanker hire

Summary: The requester asked for the total cost of hiring two Bridmin tankers over approximately four years. The Manx Utilities Authority disclosed that the tankers were hired since 2017 and provided the total expenditure for the period up to March 2025.

Two 3,300 gallon Bridmin tankers were hired.

Hire initially started in 2017 with the Department of Infrastructure.

From February 2023, the hire was managed directly with Bridmin Ltd.

The total spend covers the financial years from 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2025.

No information was withheld; all requested data was provided.


Lack of mapping of Manx National Trust land

Summary: The requester asked why Manx National Trust land is not displayed on the MANNGIS Island Environment map despite other protected areas being shown. The authority refused the request, citing a lack of staff resources to create the mapping and legal exemptions regarding the creation of new information.

Manx National Heritage wishes to add its landholdings to the MannGIS map but lacks the staff and skills to do so.

The mapping work is dependent on technical assistance from the Cabinet Office GTS MannGIS team.

The authority previously responded to a similar request in February 2024 regarding landholdings.

The request was refused under section 11(3)(b) and (c) of the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

The authority is not obliged to create information that is not already held.

Section 11(3)(b) of the FOI Act 2015
Section 11(3)(c) of the FOI Act 2015
Section 8(3) of the FOI Act 2015
Section 9 of the FOI Act 2015