Consultation on the introduction of fees and cost limits for Freedom of Information requests

Overview

The Freedom of Information Act 2015 (opens in a new tab) sets out the requirements and duties of public authorities when responding to Freedom of Information requests. The Act came into effect on a phased basis from 1 February 2016.

The Isle of Man Government’s ongoing commitment to openness and transparency is resolute. The policy proposals outlined in this consultation are in no way intended as a barrier to access; rather they seek to strike a careful balance over the right to information alongside effective government and value for the taxpayer.

The purpose of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 is:

To enable persons who are resident in the Island to obtain access to information held by public authorities in accordance with the principles that:

(a) the information should be available to the public to promote the public interest; and

(b) exceptions to the right of access are necessary to maintain a balance with rights to privacy, effective government, and value for the taxpayer.

The Cabinet Office, on behalf of the Council of Ministers, looks forward to receiving comments from the public and interested parties and would encourage feedback on this consultation.

Why your views matter

The ability for the public to make Freedom of Information requests to Public Authorities listed in Schedule 1 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 is a recognised and important established right for the people of the Isle of Man. Before any divergences in current policy position are made the Government wants to hear your thoughts on the potential introduction of fees and cost limits to make a request.

As was outlined above, these proposals are in no way intended as a barrier to the public to make Freedom of Information requests, rather to seek a balance between the right to information and cost-effective Government.

Your opinions and views are truly valued on this important topic and they will be taken under serious consideration by the Council of Ministers before any final policy decision is made on this matter.

Privacy Statement

This consultation is anonymous. Your response will be published as part of a larger summary response document.

If you submit a response, by clicking 'Submit Response' you will give us permission to analyse and include your response in our results. After you click Submit, you will no longer be able to go back and change any of your answers. However, there is an option for you to provide an email address and if you do provide this it will only be used to send a receipt and a link to a PDF copy of your response.

The Cabinet Office would encourage that no personal data is provided however any personal data erroneously or intentionally provided will be anonymised before a response is published and will not be shared beyond the Policy Development Team.

Please read our Privacy Policy (opens in a new tab) for more details and your rights.

Reasonable adjustments and alternative formats

The Department is committed to equal opportunities and our aim is to make our documents easy to use and accessible to all.

We will take steps to accommodate any reasonable adjustments and provide such assistance as you may reasonably require to enable you to access or reply to this consultation.

If you would like to receive this document as a paper copy, in another format or need assistance with accessing or replying to this consultation, please email Rachael.Huxley@gov.im or telephone +44 1624 686065.

Responding to this consultation

You can respond to this consultation online by clicking on the 'Online Survey' link below. Alternatively you can download a paper version of this consultation in the 'Related' section below and email it to Rachael.Huxley@gov.im or post it to:

Policy Development
Cabinet Office
Third Floor
Government Office
Bucks Road
Douglas
IM1 3PN