MHK moves to exclude Manx Radio from Freedom of Information register

Follows CoMin's policy review decision to not include further public authorities

An MHK has called into question the inclusion of Manx Radio on the list of publicly-owned companies that are subject to Freedom of Information Requests.

In December, Chris Thomas will move that Tynwald calls on the Council of Ministers to exclude Radio Manx Limited from the list of public authorities in Schedule 1 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

It follows a recent review of FOI policy in which CoMin ruled out adding any more publicly-owned companies to the register.

Among the additional entities that have faced repeated calls for inclusion are the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, the Manx Development Corporation and the Isle of Man Meat Company.

Manx Radio receives an annual government subvention (£1,127,642 in 2023/24) and, like the companies listed above, is treated as an 'arms-length' body. 

Mr Thomas, MHK for Douglas Central, says the move to exclude Manx Radio would be 'in line with [CoMin's] review conclusion about the need to avoid increased administrative burden and resource use in publicly-owned companies'.

The third part of his motion asks that Tynwald be of the opinion that the Freedom of Information Act 2015 should be amended so that information created by all publicly-owned companies is covered when such a company is established except when the information is of a description specified in the Act.

The final sitting of the year is due to get underway on 9 December.