Government ‘failing’ on latte levy

The UK government is taking “no effective action” over the issue of waste created by throw away coffee cups, Westminster’s environmental audit committee has warned.

It said the government has refused to take any decisive action on the complex issue of coffee cups following a committee report into the issue – including the introduction of a “latte levy” on disposable cups – instead choosing to rely on voluntary commitments.

The committee said it has also asked the National Audit Office to inquire into the government’s oversight of the packaging recovery note scheme, to further scrutinise UK recycling policy.its key recommendation was the introduction of a 25p levy on the use of disposable coffee cups, to reduce their use and help to fund recycling measures.

Environmental audit committee chair Mary Creagh said: “The UK’S throwaway culture is having a devastating impact on our streets, beaches and seas. Our report recommended practical solutions to the disposable packaging crisis. The government’s response shows that despite warm words they plan no real action.”