Views wanted on 25p ‘latte levy’ on all single-use cups

Views are being sought on the Scottish Government’s proposals for a 25p charge on all single-use cups.

An expert group recommended the charge – which some MSPs have dubbed the “latte levy” – of between 20p and 25p in 2019 and legislation passed earlier this year gives ministers the powers to require suppliers of single-use items to charge a minimum amount.

Ministers in John Swinney’s Government say the minimum charge, which applies regardless of the cup’s material, will cut waste and promote responsible consumption.

Under the proposals in a consultation document, there would be exemptions for schools and free drinks handed out in hospitals or care homes.

In all other settings, those selling drinks would have to apply the charge when the beverage is purchased in a single-use cup.

It would still apply to cups marked as biodegradable or compostable.

The research from 2019 estimated the charge would lead to a behaviour change in 49% of the population.

The Government says an estimated 388 million single-use cups were used in Scotland in 2021-22, creating 5,400 tonnes of waste.

Acting Net Zero Secretary Gillian Martin said: “The success of the single-use carrier bag charge shows how an environmental charge can be an effective tool to change people’s behaviour and encourage responsible consumption.

“While many businesses already have offers in place to encourage the use of reusable drinks cups, hundreds of millions of single-use cups are still being discarded, creating 5,400 tonnes of waste every year.

“Many of these cups end up littering our roadsides, town centres, beaches and parks.

“Introducing a national charge could provide consistency for consumers, provide a level playing field for retail and businesses, and help to drive forward sustainable behaviours.

“Our proposed approach is similar to the charge for single-use carrier bags and will be familiar to both suppliers and the public.

“We hope this means that it will minimise any administrative burden on businesses and make it easy for individuals and organisations to adopt.”

The consultation will run until November 14.

Scottish Conservative MSP Maurice Golden said: “The SNP’s so-called latte levy will hit hard-pressed consumers and businesses, which is the last thing they need right now.

“While we supported the general principles of the Circular Economy Bill, there continues to be a concerning lack of detail for businesses and consumers on how this new tax will be applied.

“For many Scots, this will be imposing extra costs on them when they have no other option.

“Even the SNP’s own consultation admits it will impact negatively on disabled people, who rely on purchasing these single-use cups when out and about.”

Scottish Green co-leader Lorna Slater said: “This is an important step that continues work that we began with Scottish Greens in government and will help to reduce waste and protect our environment.

“Hundreds of millions of single-use cups are being discarded every single year, and even a small charge could make a difference in encouraging people to use reusable alternatives.”