Chancellor in bid to halt torrent from takeaways TAX ON PLASTIC

A TAX on throwaway plastic to stop it choking the oceans is set to be unveiled this week by Chancellor Philip Hammond.

The move would apply to single-use items such as plastic spoons, knives and forks, fast-food cartons and coffee cups.

And it would be likely to be added to takeaway bills in the same way as the plastic bag charge at supermarkets.

Mr Hammond will unveil the plan in Tuesday’s Spring Statement, pledging to consult the public and environmental groups before deciding on the move.

Mr Hammond said: “Plastic waste is a scourge. From crisp packets kets to coffee cups, the UK produces millions illions of tonnes of waste which h is neither recyclable nor or biodegradable.

“We are determined to o create an environment that is fit for future generations.”

A million seabirds and tens of thousands of animals are killed by plastic c waste each year. The amount unt we throw away annually would fill 1,000 Royal Albert Halls. alls.

Mr Hammond has ruled ld out t making tax changes or public spending announcements on Tuesday, saving them for his Budget in the Autumn.

But he will talk of an “economic turning point”, telling MPs: “We’ve seen the first signs that productivity growth – the key to higher wages – may be increasing. There is light at the end of the tunnel.”

And he is also expected to announce that he is in a position to bring down borrowing, from a forecast £49.9billion to £40billion.