New tax on plastics proposal unveiled
BUYING a cup of coffee and drinking it from a disposable cup may in future incur a special tax in Wales, it will be announced today.
Environment Minister Hannah Blythyn will set out a package of measures aimed at reinforcing Wales’ reputation as a capital of recycling.
Other proposed initiatives include moving towards a UK-wide deposit return scheme for drinks containers and measures to reduce waste from six types of food and drink packaging.
Ms Blythyn is also keen to encourage people to hydrate by drinking free tap water rather than expensive bottled water which creates extra waste. She aims to greatly increase the number of outlets in public places where reusable water containers can be filled up easily. Licensed premises legally have to give tap water to people who ask for it.
Ms Blythyn said: “Wales is a world leader in recycling. We are the best in the UK, second in Europe and third in the world. I am keen to build on this success. I also want Wales to become the world’s first Refill Nation, making tap water easily accessible across the whole of Wales.”
PEOPLE in Wales may in future be taxed if they drink coffee or tea from single-use containers.
Such an idea is on a list of proposals due to be announced today by Environment Minister Hannah Blythyn.
Ms Blythyn also wants Wales to become the UK’s first “Refill Nation”, with a big increase in outlets advertising the fact that they give away tap water free of charge.
Licensed premises have a legal obligation to provide tap water, although they can charge for the use of a cup or glass.
But at present few outlets in Wales have signs or stickers saying tap water is available.
The Welsh Government will work with the organisation City to Sea on developing the Refill strategy for Wales, which will include a behavioural change campaign to help people see the value of water and make tap water their first choice for hydration.
Speaking at the Senedd today, Ms Blythyn will reveal the key findings of research on reducing and recycling waste, and reducing litter from six types of food and drink packaging.
She will confirm that the Welsh Government will work with the UK Government and other devolved administrations on a number of initiatives, including a UK-wide deposit return scheme for drinks containers.
Ms Blythyn said: “Wales is a world leader in recycling. We are the best in the UK, second in Europe and third in the world. I am keen to build on this success.
“I’m pleased to announce a range of measures to further boost recycling and reduce waste, including £15m for local authorities to improve their recycling rates across Wales.
“I also want Wales to become the world’s first Refill Nation, making tap water easily accessible across the whole of Wales.
“I am currently considering Wales’ involvement in a UK-wide deposit return scheme. Developing approaches on a UK-wide basis can be less complicated for consumers and better for businesses who have told us they prefer this approach, particularly as we prepare for Brexit.
“I am also considering making changes to regulations so that producers and retailers pay a larger share of waste management costs.
“We continue to work with HM Treasury on a UK single-use plastics tax.
“At the same time we will consider a tax, levy or charge on single-use beverage cups for Wales.
“The mandatory use of reusable cups and a potential pilot is also something I am considering.
“We were the first in the UK to bring in a plastic carrier bag charge. We can lead the way once again and make Wales the first in the world when it comes to recycling.”
Concerns over certain singleuse plastic products came to widespread public attention last year, when their implication in marine pollution was highlighted in David Attenborough’s Blue Planet II series.
Earlier this year, the Marine Conservation Society proposed a scheme where people receive money back for returning items including plastic bottles.
A payment of 20p for containers was suggested.
And in March, in his Spring Statement, Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond said he would launch a consultation on future policies including a possible tax on single-use plastic.