Hammond set to serve up a ‘latte levy’ on plastic cups and cutlery

THE “latte levy” on throwaway plastic cups will move a step closer today as Philip Hammond uses his Spring Statement to launch a public consultation on single-use plastic waste.

The Chancellor has made clear that when he stands up before MPS this lunchtime there will be “no fiscal announcements” despite calls from opposition parties for him to use the set-piece occasion in the Commons to end austerity given the healthier economic numbers.

Treasury sources made clear the department was regarding Mr Hammond’s Commons statement as a low-key affair. “It’ll last about 15 to 20 minutes, just like a normal Commons statement. We’re not expecting any tax announcements or changes to public spending,” said a Treasury insider.

Last year, the Chancellor changed the fiscal focus to an autumn Budget. Today’s statement to MPS will essentially be a stock-take of where the UK economy is with figures from the Government’s economic forecaster, the Office for Budget Responsibility, setting out numbers on growth, borrowing and debt.

The upturn in the global economy has helped buoy up the UK despite the turbulence of Brexit.

As well as a public consultation on single-use plastic waste, Mr Hammond might also seek advice from businesses on Value Added Tax, which, it is claimed, is holding back the growth of small firms.

A major development would be switching the tax on company profits to revenues for the likes of the Google, Facebook, Amazon and Apple, which have come in for criticism for posting low tax returns given their multi-billion incomes.

Mr Hammond will today urged the public to have its say on reducing the “scourge” of damaging single-use plastics.

Ahead of his speech, he said: “From crisp packets to coffee cups, each year the UK produces millions of tonnes of waste, which is neither recycle-able nor biodegradable. That’s why I want British businesses and universities to lead the world in innovative solutions.

“We are determined to create an environment that is fit for future generations. By working with industry, innovators and the public I am confident we can bring about real change,”

I want British business to lead the world