Consultation on the introduction of fees and cost limits for Freedom of Information requests
Feedback updated 16 Sep 2025
We asked
The purpose of the consultation by the Cabinet Office was to gain the public’s views on the introduction of fees and cost limits for Freedom of Information requests.
You said
There were 434 responses to the consultation received with 20 organisations responding (a 21st was discounted as it claimed to be written on behalf of IOM Government). Out of the 20 organisation responses 5 of these were local authorities, 10 were from various government bodies (including departments, boards and the Information Commissioner). The remainder were private organisations and one charity.
The key pieces of information from responses were:
- Over 65% of respondents disagreed with the proposal allowing public authorities to refuse requests that exceed 15 hours, fearing a public authority could restrict access to information
- The respondents were evenly divided on the proposal to aggregate similar requests from the same person or coordinated campaigns. 49.8% supported aggregation, while 50.2% opposed it, with significant concerns about fairness, transparency and enforceability
- Over 60% of respondents expressed concerns about introducing a lower cost limit for smaller authorities, with many highlighting the importance of maintaining consistency in the application of FOI across all government bodies
- The majority of responses strongly oppose the introduction of a fee for FOI requests, arguing that it would undermine transparency, restrict democratic accountability, and disproportionately impact those on lower incomes, effectively creating a barrier to accessing public information. Many view FOI as a fundamental right that should remain free, especially given concerns about government secrecy and public trust. In contrast, a smaller number of respondents support the idea, suggesting that a modest fee could deter frivolous or vexatious requests and help recover administrative costs. Some also proposed compromise solutions, such as allowing a limited number of free requests per year or applying fees only in specific circumstances. Overall, while there is some recognition of the burden FOI requests can place on public resources, it is widely felt that financial barriers ought not to restrict access to information
- Most respondents to the question of what constitutes a reasonable fee for FOI requests strongly favour no fee at all, reflecting a clear public preference for maintaining free access to government-held information. A smaller portion of respondents support a low fee (typically £1 to £5), suggesting it could deter misuse without creating a barrier. Fewer still advocate for moderate fees (£25 to £50), and only a very small number support high fees (£75 or more), with conditions such as repeated or complex requests
For further details please see Consultation Response document.
We did
The Cabinet Office, on behalf of the Council of Ministers, is grateful to all those who took the time to share their views—both through the consultation portal and via other channels. Your input is greatly appreciated and will play a key role in shaping the next steps.
Results updated 10 Sep 2025
Files:
- Consultation Response - Introduction of fees and cost limits for FOI requests, 231.6 KB (PDF document)
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
What happens next
Upon completion of the consultation the results will be analysed and provided to the Council of Ministers to assist ongoing policy development and ultimately inform the final decision on the potential introduction of fees and cost limits for Freedom of Information requests.
Areas
- All Areas
Audiences
- All residents
Interests
- Access to information
- Legislation
- Policies, strategies & plans
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