Chancellor Philip Hammond has asked for opinions on how taxes on some plastics could help the environment in the Spring Statement.
Following his announcement, the government launched a consultation to tackle the problem of disposable coffee cups, takeaway boxes, and plastic wrapping.
Chancellor Philip Hammond said: “Single-use plastics that have been used for only a few seconds can last centuries in the natural environment..[taxes would be].. “a way of changing behaviour.”
According to HM Treasury, the consultation:
“…will explore how changes to the tax system or charges could be used to reduce the amount of single-use plastics we waste by reducing unnecessary production, increasing reuse, and improving recycling. The government would also like to explore how we can also drive innovation in this area to achieve the same outcomes.
“The government will consider all options for using the tax system to address single-use plastic waste and to drive innovation, and will use the evidence gathered from this call to inform that process. The government wants to look broadly across the whole supply chain, from production and retail to consumption and disposal, in order to gain the best possible understanding of the whole landscape before deciding on the best course of action.”
Last year, the Environmental Industries Commission(EIC), called for a national debate in a briefing paper on setting ambitious but realistic recycling targets for 2025 to provide a framework for the waste and resources sector. Legal advice was provided by B P Collins’ environment team.
Deadline for consultation responses is 18 May 2018.
