Decision details

The Committee gave consideration to a report raising awareness of, and outlining the implications for Argyll and Bute as a result of the implementation of the Deposit Return Scheme which had been due to come into effect on 16 August 2023, but had been delayed for 7 months to March 2024. The deposit return scheme would require everyone who purchased a glass or plastic bottle, or drinks can to pay a 20p deposit which would be redeemable at a point of purchase when they returned their empty bottle or can.

Decision

The Policy and Resources Committee –

1.    noted the content of the report and endorsed the work of officers across the Council to implement the Deposit Return Scheme;

2.    agreed that officers should continue to highlight the concerns of businesses and the potential negative impacts on matters such as Free School Meals to the Scottish Government seeking greater clarity and response on operational matters;

3.    agreed that the Policy Lead for Climate Change and Environment Services be authorised to make representations to the Scottish Government on behalf of the Council; and

4.    noted that the Scottish First Minister announced on 18th April 2023 that the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) would no longer launch this August, with a seven month delay and new implementation date of March 2024 to allow de-risking and operational issues to be addressed.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial Services dated 4 April 2023, submitted)