Cup charge postponed

Dispoable coffee cup

PLANS to charge a deposit on disposable coffee cups have been shelved as the Scottish Government dedicates resources to tackling the coronavirus.

Environment secretary Roseanna Cunningham announced that the Circular Economy Bill would not progress due to a legislative freeze in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

David Lonsdale, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, welcomed the announcement: “Scottish Ministers are to be commended for listening to our representations and pausing non-essential policies like the proposed new charge on disposable drinks cups.

“This positive and practical step will give food-to-go retailers some much needed breathing space once they eventually get back up and running.”