Single-Use Disposable Beverage Cups Charge: Equality Impact Assessment – Interim Report

4. Key findings

A charge on single-use disposable beverage cups has the potential to impact upon everybody in Scotland who purchases a hot or cold beverage in a single-use disposable beverage cup. The proposed charge is intended to apply across Scotland and does not specifically target particular groups, geographical locations or sections of society. It is, however, important to consider that the charge may impact people differently.

At this stage, it has been identified there is potential for negative impacts for those with a disability. Disabled people may rely on purchasing beverages in single-use disposable beverage cups when away from home. It may be that reusable alternatives or the logistics around them are not conducive to aiding independent living. This could result in rising costs for those that require continued use of single-use disposable beverage cups.

Further targeted engagement will be undertaken during the consultation period to clarify these potential impacts and any implications for the final policy proposals, building on the lessons learned through stakeholder engagement undertaken when developing the single-use plastic regulations.

While there may be potential for the charge to impact those with limited income, for example parents in single-parent households and younger or older people with limited incomes, the proportionality of this is yet to be identified. Access to a reuseable cup to avoid the charge will vary between these groups. These items are generally available and at a range of price points. The lifecycle of these items will vary and therefore so will the extent to which they represent value for money. The potential impact on those with limited income is explained in more depth in the Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment.

While there may be potential for the charge to impact those where English is not a first language, it is expected the proportionality of this is low. However, accessible and inclusive communication will be prioritised as part of implementation plans to ensure high levels of participation and understanding around the charge for single-use disposable beverage cups.

There is a limited potential positive impact identified within the age category relating to reduced littering associated with single-use disposable beverage cups. Whilst this will create a benefit for all age groups, it may be more significant for younger people (16 – 24 year olds) whose perceptions of their area are more likely to be negatively impacted by littering. Instilling sustainable behaviours in young people supports equality of opportunity by building awareness of environmental issues. This helps equip younger generations with knowledge/habits to make sustainable choices that will benefit society as a whole.

This interim EQIA has helped to highlight areas where there may potentially be impacts on certain protected characteristics. It can help us to design accessible communication and engagement during the consultation with those people potentially affected, along with relevant equality representative groups. This will help to avoid unintended consequences.

An interim Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment (FSDA) and an interim Island Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA) are also being conducted alongside this Equalities Impact Assessment (EQIA). The equality outcomes considered in this summary have links with the potential impacts identified in the FSDA and the ICIA, so this document should be read in conjunction with the other impact assessments.