Expenditure on single use plastics within the department

Summary

A request was made for expenditure figures on single-use plastics within the Department of Infrastructure, but the authority refused to fulfill it because the data is not recorded individually and would require substantial compilation.

Key Facts

• The Department of Infrastructure does not record single-use plastics as individual items in its accounting system.
• Complying with the request would require going through each individual order and invoice.
• The Department is not required to undertake substantial compilation or collation of information under the FOIA 2015.
• The Isle of Man Government is currently developing a single-use plastics reduction plan.
• The request was received and closed on the same day, 27 April 2018.

Data Disclosed

• 2018-04-27
• 14 May 2018
• 451741
• FOIA 2015

Exemptions Cited

• Substantial compilation or collation of information

Original Request

To whom it may concern, Under the the FOIA 2015, I am requesting the provision of figures of Department expenditure on single use plastics, including but not limited to; plastic cups, plastic straws, cutlery, coffee stirrers and bin liners and bags. I look forward to your response within the statutory time limits. Best Regards

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Department of Infrastructure Sea Terminal Building, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2RF

Contact: FOI Co-ordiantor Telephone: (01624) 686785 Email: foi.doi@gov.im

Our ref: 451741 14 May 2018

Dear ###

This request is being handled under the Freedom of Information Act 2015.

We write further to your request which was received on 27 April 2018 and which states:

"To whom it may concern, Under the the FOIA 2015, I am requesting the provision of figures of Department expenditure on single use plastics, including but not limited to; plastic cups, plastic straws, cutlery, coffee stirrers and bin liners and bags. I look forward to your response within the statutory time limits. Clarification: Timeline – per annum from the earliest date available While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance, complying with your request for information would require the Department of Infrastructure to undertake substantial compilation or collation of information that it holds, which the Department of Infrastructure is not required to do under the Act. The Department does not record single use plastics as an individual item within its accounting system, therefore the Department would have to go through each individual order and invoice to collate the information for each year you have requested. However it may be of interest for you to know that the Chief Minister recently announced that Isle of Man Government is currently developing a single use plastics reduction plan and working across Departments to reduce the use of single use plastics and replace with sustainable alternatives Please quote the reference number 451741 in any future communications.

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I will now close your request as of this date.

Yours sincerely

DOI Freedom of Information Team