Engagement hub

This consultation sought views on the proposed Data Asset Register and Data Asset Registrar framework.

It asked for feedback on the information to be recorded, the classification model, safeguards and access arrangements, provisional registration, third party protection, fees, implementation challenges and supporting regulations.

A summary of responses can be found in the document below.

Respondents were broadly supportive of the proposed framework, but highlighted that further detail, practical guidance, clear classification criteria, transparency on costs and implementation planning will be needed before the Register becomes operational.

The Department has reviewed the responses received, including the separate response from the Information Commissioner’s Office.

The feedback will be used to inform the final regulations, supporting guidance, fee approach and implementation planning for the Data Asset Register and Data Asset Registrar.

The Cabinet Office sought views on legislation to a Bill provide a legal basis for Public Health on the Island. This Bill included provisions relating to the appointment and functions of a Chief Public Health Officer, a general public health duty for public bodies and amendments to the Public Health Act 1990.

The consultation ran from 22 January 2026 to 20 February 2026 and received 49 responses.

Overall:

There was qualified support for the appointment of a Chief Public Health Officer:

• A significant number of respondents were of the view that this position should be held by a medical professional or someone with medical experience

There was strong support for the proposed Public Health functions and duties:

• Some comments did express concerns as how the functions will be delivered, and if some proposed functions (e.g. commissioning) were suitable

There was strong support for the proposed general public health duty:

• A small number of comments expressed either support, or opposition, for assessments to support this duty
   
• Additional comments noted the duty supported integrated public services and suggested the duty should apply Island-wide.

There was strong support for Public Health to have the powers to establish advisory bodies:

• A small number of comments did express concerns as to the resource impact of such bodies, and whether or not this power was required

There was strong support for the proposed definition of public bodies in relation to the general public health duty:

• Some comments did suggest this term could be narrowed or unlinked from the definition in the Freedom of Information Act 2015

There was strong support for the proposed amendments to the Public Health Act 1990:

• A small number of comments did highlight concerns over the suitability of extending statutory nuisance provisions or controls on vermin
   
• One comment suggested a broader review of that Act is required

The Cabinet Office is grateful to all those who responded to the consultation. Public Health will now:

• Take into consideration the feedback from this consultation
   
• Engage with local authorities on the proposed public health duty
   
• Seek further feedback on the issues raised by this consultation
   
• Having regard to recent amendments to the National Health Service Act 2001, consult on provisions relating to consent requirements for public health activities

Once these actions have been undertaken the intention is to promote a revised Bill for consideration in 2027.

The Central Registry sought views on changes to laws on registration of companies, limited partnerships and other legal entities in order bring the Island into line with the requirements of the Financial Action Task Force’s international standards.

The Registry ran a 7 week consultation on the proposals, from 27 November 2025 to 16 January 2026.

There were a total of 16 responses.

Overall there was broad support for the changes, though there were concerns in relation to the detail of some of the proposals. The main themes of the feedback included:

• The possibility of overreach in relation to the Registrar’s powers and potential regulatory overlap with the FSA
   
• Proposals regarding the timescales for provision of some of the information from companies and other legal entities
   
• Proposals relating to personal information (e.g. dates of birth); how the information is held, what extent it is public or private, and who has access to it
   
• Disclosure of nominee shareholder arrangements
   
• Requirements to declare principal business activities and locations

The Registry is grateful to all those who responded to the consultation. The Registry will take on board the feedback from this consultation in preparing the Verification of Entity Registration Bill for introduction to the Legislative Branches in April 2026 and implementation of the resultant Act in the coming months. 

This will include engagement with industry and others as the Registry seeks to bring in these changes.

The Department will also bring forward to Tynwald in May an Order which amends the definition of 'registrable beneficial owner' to ensure that the Island’s definition aligns with the FATF standard.