In a victory for all Manx taxpayers, the Isle of Man Government is reported to have agreed to reveal who received taxpayer-funded payments under Coronavirus support schemes after the Manx TaxPayers’ Alliance requested this information under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) on 21 January 2022.
“The Manx TaxPayers’ Alliance requested this information months ago, and we are disappointed that we have had to battle for months for the Isle of Man Government to release this data,” said Michael Josem of the Manx TaxPayers’ Alliance. “We are pleased by media reports that the Government will be belatedly releasing this data. Really, this data should have been published a year or two ago, and it frustrating that this Government continues to operate under a policy of secrecy-by-default.”
Today, Gef reported that “The gov (sic) has announced it will be revealing details of payments made under the various Coronavirus support schemes at the end of April. The information will be published on April 29.”
Throughout February and March, the Treasury has formally notified the Manx TaxPayers’ Alliance of delays in responding to the FOIA request from the Manx TaxPayers’ Alliance on six occasions.
“It is curious that Manx media outlets appear to have been notified of the April 29 publication deadline of this data, despite this data being formally requested by the Manx TaxPayers’ Alliance months ago under legal protections. A cynic would say that the Isle of Man Government is more concerned with media relations and public perception than with complying with Freedom of Information Act requirements,” said Josem.
Timeline:
21 January 2022: Manx TaxPayers’ Alliance submits FOIA request
16 February 2022: Treasury declares extension of time required to respond to Manx TaxPayers’ Alliance FOIA request.
18 February 2022: Ordinary deadline of 20 working days from 21 January provided under FOIA expires
4 March 2022: Treasury declares second extension of time required to respond to Manx TaxPayers’ Alliance FOIA request.
11 March 2022: Treasury declares third extension of time required to respond to Manx TaxPayers’ Alliance FOIA request.
18 March 2022: Treasury declares fourth extension of time required to respond to Manx TaxPayers’ Alliance FOIA request.
25 March 2022: Treasury declares fifth extension of time required to respond to Manx TaxPayers’ Alliance FOIA request.