Fed urges clear communication in charges proposal on disposable cups

The Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed) has called for an effective communication campaign and a robust enforcement process as part of proposals to introduce charges for single-use disposable beverage cups in Scotland.

In its response to the Scottish government’s consultation process on the proposed scheme, the Fed also says it is of the utmost importance that there is at least a six-month notice period.

The Fed’s National President Mo Razzaq, who owns a store in Blantyre, said, “It is vital for the Scottish government to communicate clear instructions to retailers on how the scheme is to be administered, to communicate the ‘how and why’ to customers and to allow retailers enough time to prepare for the changes.

“Communication was one of the key weaknesses of the Deposit Return Scheme. as it seems to have been considered at a late stage - even though the ask to consumers and retailers involved a major behavioural change. We would hope lessons have been learned from this.

“A clear and simple administrative process and a clear and effective communication campaign is essential to ensure that retailers and consumers understand the why and the how.”

He said the challenges to retailers would include recording the numbers of single-use disposable beverage cups charged for; the charge paid for them; the amount retailers are entitled to deduct to calculate the net proceeds - such as the costs to administer the system and VAT - and the net proceeds raised by the charge.

He added: “We would anticipate that 25p is a sufficient incentive for many customers to remember to bring their own cup. A higher price might encourage customers to go without a drink if they haven’t brought their own cup.”

The Fed also believes the funds generated from the charge should be retained by businesses and redirected to local worthy causes, like the carrier bag charge.

Razzaq said: “Retailers would welcome the ability to support good causes in their communities, a long-established tradition in local convenience stores. This could be a local hospice or sports team or local school very much deserving of support.”