Deposit return scheme for Scotland: accompanying statement

Introduction

1. A first draft of The Deposit and Return Scheme for Scotland Regulations 2020 ("the Regulations") was laid before the Scottish Parliament on 10 September 2019 for a 91-day representation period ending on 10 December 2019.^[1]

2. As part of that exercise, the Scottish Government delivered a public consultation seeking views on the Regulations. This exercise built on a wider public consultation on the design of Scotland's Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) which closed on 25 September 2018.^[2] The most recent consultation was designed to elicit detailed feedback on the intent and legal effect of the Regulations to establish the scheme, with the questions structured accordingly.

3. Separately, the Scottish Parliament's Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform (ECCLR) Committee considered the Regulations, gathering evidence from a wide range of stakeholders and publishing a report detailing the Committee's conclusions.

4. This report analyses and responds to the representations and recommendations made through both these exercises and details those changes which Ministers have made to the Regulations as a result of the views expressed. It should be considered alongside the final Regulations.

5. The analysis is largely qualitative in order to ensure full account is taken of the breadth of views expressed on the Regulations and the often detailed reasons offered in support of positions adopted.