The Isle of Man Information Commissioner has upheld a complaint against Treasury over its refusal to release information about the Thie Clag redevelopment, in a ruling that places fresh pressure on the Manx Development Corporation (MDC) and its handling of public money.
The Decision Notice, DN2026_14, was issued on 16 June 2026. It concerns a Freedom of Information request submitted by local taxpayer and campaigner Alfred Caine, who has spent almost two years trying to obtain details about rental eligibility criteria and allocation policies for Thie Clag, the former Nurses’ Home refurbished by MDC at a cost of more than £11 million.
Treasury repeatedly claimed it held no relevant information. The Information Commissioner disagreed.
Watchdog: Treasury “likely to hold” information
The Commissioner found that Treasury had not carried out a sufficient search and had failed to consider information that clearly fell within the scope of the request. The ruling states that, “on the balance of probabilities, the Authority is likely to hold some information relating to the request.”
The Commissioner also highlighted the Treasury Minister’s role as Chair of the Brownfield Regeneration Steering Group (BRSG). The BRSG oversees MDC projects and receives business cases, meeting agendas and minutes. The Decision Notice says these records are likely to be relevant and should have been considered.
The watchdog also criticised Treasury for using the clarification process to suggest information was “not held” before conducting proper searches.
Caine: “Straightforward questions deserve straightforward answers”
Mr Caine welcomed the ruling and said it confirmed long‑standing concerns about MDC’s lack of transparency.
“For almost two years I have been seeking answers concerning the use of public money by MDC and, in particular, the allocation policies and eligibility criteria associated with Thie Clag,” he said.
“Throughout this process Treasury repeatedly maintained that it did not hold the information I requested. The Information Commissioner has now upheld my complaint and directed Treasury to reconsider its position.”
Mr Caine said his campaign began long before the FOI dispute. He first raised concerns publicly at an MDC meeting hosted by Liberal Vannin on 20 May 2024. He stressed that his aim has always been scrutiny, not opposition to regeneration.
“My campaign has never been about opposing regeneration,” he said. “It has always been about ensuring proper scrutiny of publicly funded projects and obtaining straightforward answers to straightforward questions.”
Ruling lands amid growing political concern about MDC
The Commissioner’s findings come at a time when MDC’s financial model and governance are under increasing scrutiny in Tynwald. Members have questioned whether the company’s structure allows it to avoid normal transparency obligations while still relying heavily on public funds.
Recent debates have also raised concerns about the long‑term viability of some MDC developments.
Mr Caine said the Commissioner’s ruling shows that these concerns are justified.
“The Information Commissioner’s findings demonstrate that the questions being asked are legitimate and deserve proper answers,” he said.
Treasury given 30 days to act
The Decision Notice requires Treasury to reprocess the FOI request within 30 days. The Department must either: disclose the information, or issue a new refusal notice with a clear and lawful explanation.
If Treasury fails to comply, the Commissioner may certify the matter to the High Court.
Mr Caine said he will review any new disclosures carefully once Treasury responds.
