DEFA responds to former MHK's calls for referendum - 13.08.25

Summary

A request was made for data on resident support, evidence for government statements, and cost-effectiveness analyses regarding the Isle of Man's net-zero targets. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture responded that while the information is held, it is exempt from disclosure, resulting in no information being sent.

Key Facts

• The request was received on 13 August 2025 and the response was issued on 11 September 2025.
• The authority handling the request is the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA).
• The outcome is classified as 'No information sent - all held but exempt'.
• The request specifically targeted surveys, raw data, and internal reports concerning net-zero targets.
• The response references a news article claiming strong resident support for the government's net-zero targets.

Data Disclosed

• 13 August 2025
• 11 September 2025
• £100 million
• 4871441
• 8 pages

Original Request

I am writing to request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2015 regarding the Isle of Man Government's net-zero targets, as referenced in this news article: https://www.manxradio.com/news/isle-of-man-news/governments-net-zero-targets-have-strong-resident-support/. I would be grateful if you could provide the following information: 1. Resident Support Data - Copies of all surveys, polls, or consultation documents conducted by the Isle of Man Government regarding resident support for net-zero targets, as referenced in the linked news report. - Raw data or anonymised datasets from these surveys, including: - Number of respondents - Survey methodology (online, face-to-face, postal, etc.) - Questions asked - Individual responses or aggregate data, including any statistical analysis or summaries Any internal reports, briefings, or communications evaluating public support for net-zero targets, including notes, presentations, or correspondence between departments. 2. Evidence Supporting Government Statements The article includes the statements: "Achieving net zero is essential for protecting our environment, securing cleaner and more reliable energy, and creating stronger economic opportunities.' 'The impacts of climate change'such as increased flooding and changing weather'are already being felt locally, demonstrating the urgency of action.' I request: - Any documents, reports, studies, or analyses that provide evidence, data, or rationale for these statements. - Environmental assessments, climate reports, energy studies, economic modelling, or risk assessments referenced internally by the government. - Any local impact assessments, meteorological data, or other studies supporting claims of climate change effects such as flooding, extreme weather events, or other environmental changes on the Isle of Man. - Internal communications, briefings, or policy documents that informed these statements. 3. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis The article also states: 'Acting now is more cost-effective and better for future generations than stepping back, demonstrating the Island's potential to lead by example. While figures such as £100 million have been cited publicly, the Isle of Man Government has not determined an overall cost for this work.' I request: - Any analyses, calculations, models, or reports that support the claim that acting now is more cost-effective, even if the overall project cost has not been fully determined. - Any documentation explaining how the £100 million figure was derived, including internal briefings, estimates, or supporting evidence. - Any correspondence, minutes, or internal communications discussing the cost-effectiveness of net-zero initiatives, including future projections and scenario modelling. Thank you for your time and your attention to this request.

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Freedom of Information Co-ordinator Corporate Services Directorate Thie Slieau Whallian, Foxdale Road, St John’s, Isle of Man, IM4 3AS Tel no (01624) 685854 Fax no (01624 685851 Email: defa@gov.im www.gov.im

Our ref: 4871441 11 September 2025

Dear ###

We write further to your request, received 13 August 2025, which states:

"I am writing to request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2015 regarding the Isle of Man Government's net-zero targets, as referenced in this news article: https://www.manxradio.com/news/isle-of-man-news/governments-net-zero- targets-have-strong-resident-support/.

I would be grateful if you could provide the following information:

1. Resident Support Data
2. Copies of all surveys, polls, or consultation documents conducted by the Isle of Man Government regarding resident support for net-zero targets, as referenced in the linked news report.
3. Raw data or anonymised datasets from these surveys, including:
4. Number of respondents
5. Survey methodology (online, face-to-face, postal, etc.)
6. Questions asked
7. Individual responses or aggregate data, including any statistical analysis or summaries

Any internal reports, briefings, or communications evaluating public support for net- zero targets, including notes, presentations, or correspondence between departments.

1. Evidence Supporting Government Statements The article includes the statements: "Achieving net zero is essential for protecting our environment, securing cleaner and more reliable energy, and creating stronger economic opportunities.' 'The impacts of climate change 'such as increased flooding and changing weather' are already being felt locally, demonstrating the urgency of action.'

I request: - Any documents, reports, studies, or analyses that provide evidence, data, or rationale for these statements. - Environmental assessments, climate reports, energy studies, economic modelling, or risk assessments referenced internally by the government.

• Any local impact assessments, meteorological data, or other studies supporting claims of climate change effects such as flooding, extreme weather events, or other environmental changes on the Isle of Man.

• Internal communications, briefings, or policy documents that informed these statements.

• Cost-Effectiveness Analysis The article also states: 'Acting now is more cost-effective and better for future generations than stepping back, demonstrating the Island's potential to lead by example. While figures such as £100 million have been cited publicly, the Isle of Man Government has not determined an overall cost for this work.'

I request: - Any analyses, calculations, models, or reports that support the claim that acting now is more cost-effective, even if the overall project cost has not been fully determined. - Any documentation explaining how the £100 million figure was derived, including internal briefings, estimates, or supporting evidence. - Any correspondence, minutes, or internal communications discussing the cost- effectiveness of net-zero initiatives, including future projections and scenario modelling.

Our response to your request is as follows.

1a. Resident Support Data Copies of all surveys, polls, or consultation documents conducted by the Isle of Man Government regarding resident support for net-zero targets, as referenced in the linked news report.

Including: - Number of respondents - Survey methodology (online, face-to-face, postal, etc.) - Questions asked - Individual responses or aggregate data, including any statistical analysis or summaries

Section 20, Information accessible to applicant by other means
While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, under section 20 of the Act, we are not required to provide information in response to a request if it is already reasonably accessible to you, whether free of charge or on payment of a fee.
Some of the information that you have requested is available here: https://www.netzero.im/

To offer advice and assistance, Appendix A includes a table outlining the information available to you and accessible via the Net Zero webpage.

1b. Raw data or anonymised datasets from these surveys

Section 26. Information provided in confidence While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the information is absolutely exempt under section 26 of the Act, as disclosure would constitute an actionable breach of confidence.

To offer advice and assistance, the consultation was conducted by Island Global Research on behalf of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture. Participants were clearly informed that “all responses are anonymous and will be used to show views from across the community. No individual responses will be published.” This assurance created a reasonable expectation of confidentiality. As such, the responses were provided on the understanding that they would not be disclosed individually, and were not intended for public release.

A copy of the Island Global Research privacy notice is available here: https://islandglobalresearch.com/igr-panel-privacy-statement/

1c. Any internal reports, briefings, or communications evaluating public support for net-zero targets, including notes, presentations, or correspondence between departments.

Section 35(c) – Conduct of public business While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the information is exempt under section 35 of the Act, as disclosure would belikely to otherwise prejudice the effective conduct of public business.

In this case, while there is a legitimate public interest in transparency, we consider that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosure. Releasing the information would likely prejudice the effective conduct of public business by undermining internal deliberations and operational efficiency.

As section 35 is a qualified exemption, it is subject to a public interest test. The public interest must be something that is of serious concern and benefit to the public at large.

Factors in favour of disclosure • Disclosure promotes openness in government and allows the public to scrutinise decision making processes
• Disclosure supports informed public debate and allows stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to policy development
• Disclosure may reveal whether decisions were made fairly and in line with public expectations

Factors in favour of withholding • Disclosure could inhibit the free and frank exchange of views among officials
• Disclosure may interfere with ongoing operational processes
• Disclosure may damage trust between departments, or between officials and external partners, if internal communications are exposed
• Officials may become reluctant to record candid advice or opinions if they fear disclosure, reducing the quality of internal debate

In taking these factors into account the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture determined that the factors in favour of maintaining the exemption outweigh the factors in favour of disclosing the information.

2a. Evidence Supporting Government Statements The article includes the statements: "Achieving net zero is essential for protecting our environment, securing cleaner and more reliable energy, and creating stronger economic opportunities.' 'The impacts of climate change 'such as increased flooding and changing weather' are already being felt locally, demonstrating the urgency of action.'

I request: - Any documents, reports, studies, or analyses that provide evidence, data, or rationale for these statements. - Environmental assessments, climate reports, energy studies, economic modelling, or risk assessments referenced internally by the government.

Section 20, Information accessible to applicant by other means
While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, under section 20 of the Act, we are not required to provide information in response to a request if it is already reasonably accessible to you, whether free of charge or on payment of a fee.
Some of the information that you have requested is available here:

• https://www.ipcc.ch/report/sixth-assessment-report-cycle/
https://netzero.im/resources/resource-hub/
• https://www.gov.im/media/1379841/defa-energy-stratv8-160623_compressed.pdf
• https://tynwald.org.im/index.php/spfile?file=/business/opqp/sittings/20212026/202 4-GD-GD-2024-0112.pdf
• https://netzero.im/media/ld0ffuvt/economic-opportunities-white-paper-2.pdf

2b. Any local impact assessments, meteorological data, or other studies supporting claims of climate change effects such as flooding, extreme weather events, or other environmental changes on the Isle of Man.

Section 41 – Information for future publication While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the information is exempt from disclosure under section 41 of the Act as it is held with a view to being published at a future date and in all the circumstances it is reasonable that the information be withheld from disclosure until that time.

As section 41 is a qualified exemption, it is subject to a public interest test. The public interest must be something that is of serious concern and benefit to the public at large.

Factors in favour of disclosure • Early access to information may enhance public trust in the Department activities and decision making • Disclosure could support informed public debate or allow stakeholders to prepare for or respond to upcoming developments

• If the information is of immediate relevance to a current issues, early disclosure may be more valuable than waiting for formal publication

Factors in favour of withholding • The Department have planned a structured released to ensure accuracy, completeness and appropriate context
• Premature disclosure of incomplete or draft material could mislead the public or result in misinterpretation
• Managing early disclosure could divert resources from finalising and publishing the information as intended
• Ensuring all stakeholders have equal access to the information at the same time, rather than through selective release

In taking these factors into account the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture determined that the factors in favour of maintaining the exemption outweigh the factors in favour of disclosing the information.

To offer advice and assistance, a risk assessment is due to be published in October 2025 and this will provide some of the information you have requested.

To offer further advice and assistance, you may wish to submit a Freedom of Information request to the Department of Infrastructure.

2c Internal communications, briefings, or policy documents that informed these statements

Section 35(c) – Conduct of public business While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the information is exempt under section 35 of the Act, as disclosure would belikely to otherwise prejudice the effective conduct of public business.

In this case, while there is a legitimate public interest in transparency, we consider that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosure. Releasing the information would likely prejudice the effective conduct of public business by undermining internal deliberations and operational efficiency.

As section 35 is a qualified exemption, it is subject to a public interest test. The public interest must be something that is of serious concern and benefit to the public at large.

Factors in favour of disclosure • Disclosure promotes openness in government and allows the public to scrutinise decision making processes
• Disclosure supports informed public debate and allows stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to policy development
• Disclosure may reveal whether decisions were made fairly and in line with public expectations

Factors in favour of withholding • Disclosure could inhibit the free and frank exchange of views among officials
• Disclosure may interfere with ongoing operational processes

• Disclosure may damage trust between departments, or between officials and external partners, if internal communications are exposed
• Officials may become reluctant to record candid advice or opinions if they fear disclosure, reducing the quality of internal debate

In taking these factors into account the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture determined that the factors in favour of maintaining the exemption outweigh the factors in favour of disclosing the information.

3a. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis The article also states: 'Acting now is more cost-effective and better for future generations than stepping back, demonstrating the Island's potential to lead by example. While figures such as £100 million have been cited publicly, the Isle of Man Government has not determined an overall cost for this work.'

I request any analyses, calculations, models, or reports that support the claim that acting now is more cost-effective, even if the overall project cost has not been fully determined.

Section 20, Information accessible to applicant by other means
While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, under section 20 of the Act, we are not required to provide information in response to a request if it is already reasonably accessible to you, whether free of charge or on payment of a fee.
Some of the information that you have requested is available here:

https://www.ipcc.ch/report/sixth-assessment-report-cycle/

3b. Any documentation explaining how the £100 million figure was derived, including internal briefings, estimates, or supporting evidence.

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the public authority does not hold or cannot, after taking reasonable steps to do so, find the information that you have requested. This is because the £100 million figure was not derived by the Department.

3c. Any correspondence, minutes, or internal communications discussing the cost-effectiveness of net-zero initiatives, including future projections and scenario modelling.

Section 35(c) – Conduct of public business While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the information is exempt under section 35 of the Act, as disclosure would belikely to otherwise prejudice the effective conduct of public business.

In this case, while there is a legitimate public interest in transparency, we consider that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosure. Releasing the information

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