Welsh Deposit Return Scheme plans will reduce consumer choice

David Chapman, Executive Director of UKHospitality Cymru, said: “While we recognise the Welsh Government’s economic and environmental goals for its planned Deposit Return Scheme, its insistence on going ahead with a scheme that includes glass and is not fully aligned to the rest of the UK remains a significant concern.

“It’s fundamental that there is alignment when Deposit Return Scheme is introduced – whether that it through our preferred approach of Wales rejoining a UK-wide scheme or the Welsh Government taking a pragmatic approach of full alignment with the UK as part of a transitional period for two years.

“Such a transitional period would allow it to undertake a full, independent economic analysis to understand the costs to business from divergence.

“If the Welsh Government chooses not to heed the concerns of businesses and presses ahead with a scheme it intends to go live in two years, with extremely limited detail, it will be Welsh consumers that suffer.

“We know that a divergent scheme in Wales will lead to reduced choice in pubs, restaurants, hotels and cafes, as some suppliers choose to no longer supply the Welsh market.

“Working together across the UK is the most surefire way to reach our recycling and sustainability goals together. Pursuing separate schemes will only be to the detriment of those goals, and Welsh businesses and consumers. I would strongly urge the Welsh Government to think again.”