Chancellor confirms plan to consider tax or charges on single-use plastics

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The Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond, confirmed the Government’s plan to consider taxing or charging single-use plastics, during the Budget.  

A call for evidence in 2018 has been launched by the Government to investigate how the tax system or charges could decrease the quantity of single-use plastic waste. 

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Another announcement made by the Chancellor in the Budget was that from the 1st April 2018, operators of illegal waste sites will become liable for landfill tax.  

From this, the Government is providing an extra £30 million funding over the next four years to support the Environment Agency tackle waste crime and reduce environmental harm.  

Environmental Services Association executive director Jacob Hayler welcomed the additional funding to tackle waste crime. He said: “The Chancellor has listened to the industry’s calls to toughen the fight against waste crime, and the extra £30 million funding provided to the Environment Agency to help stamp out illegal activity in the sector is highly welcome. 

We are also pleased that the Government will consult on how to use tax measures and charges to reduce single-use plastics waste. By making producers more responsible for the end of life of their plastic products, eco-design will be properly rewarded and the pressure on local authorities’ budgets will be relieved.”