Single-Use Disposable Beverage Cups Charge: Fairer Scotland Duty Summary

Summary of assessment 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. This interim assessment has not identified any definitive impacts on those who experience socio-economic disadvantage. However, it has identified potential issues that should be explored further during the consultation.

A better understanding is needed about the proportionality of the potential impacts identified above so that the Scottish Government can pay due regard to the scale of socio-economic disadvantage and inequalities of outcome in relation to this proposed policy. This would also include the mechanism for avoiding the charge by using a reusable cup. The accessibility of this for lower income households is not known.

A key evidence gap identified is the use of single use-disposable beverage cups by individuals experiencing homelessness. Other evidence gaps may exist around the following:

• level and pattern of use of single-use disposable beverage cups in different income brackets, particularly low-income groups;
• the proportion of litter that is made up of single-use disposable beverage cups across areas of different levels of deprivation;
• the rate of consumption of beverages purchased in single-use disposable beverage cups across different income brackets;
• data relating to young adult (secondary school age under 18) consumption of hot and cold beverages purchased in single-use disposable beverage cups; and
• the accessibility of reuseable cups to avoid the charge and the return of investment on these.

We aim to engage with different groups of stakeholders at the consultation stage to understand any potential impacts of proposals on those experiencing socio-economic disadvantage across Scotland.

Decision

What changes, if any, will be made to the proposal as a result of the assessment? Why are these changes being made and what are the expected outcomes?

This section will be completed after the consultation period.

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