Overview

This bill aims to significantly reduce plastic pollution in the UK by setting targets for eliminating non-essential plastics by 2025 and all non-recyclable plastics by 2042. It establishes an advisory committee to guide the government's strategy and mandates regular reporting on progress.

Description

The Plastic Pollution Bill assigns the Secretary of State the responsibility of reducing plastic pollution, aiming for the elimination of non-essential plastics by 2025 and all non-recyclable plastics by 2042. An Advisory Committee on Plastic Pollution will be established, comprising a chair and 5-10 members with expertise in various relevant fields (plastic pollution sources, monitoring, effects, production, disposal, behavioural change, and economic/environmental impacts).

The Committee will advise the Secretary of State on achieving these goals, publishing advice on required strategies within a year of its formation. This advice must consider preventative measures and a precautionary approach to unknown consequences. The Committee will also recommend a list of essential plastics, consulting with relevant stakeholders, including those with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. The bill mandates the Secretary of State to publish a plastic pollution strategy, subject to parliamentary approval, and annual reports on progress.

The Secretary of State must also establish an environmental monitoring program to assess plastic pollution levels in various environments (marine, freshwater, terrestrial, and air), with annual data publication. The bill also requires consultation with devolved administrations (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) on UK-wide plastic pollution policies and resources.

Government Spending

The bill does not specify exact figures for government spending. However, it will likely lead to increased expenditure related to establishing and maintaining the Advisory Committee, implementing the environmental monitoring program, supporting research and innovation, and potentially funding initiatives like taxes, subsidies, or regulations to reduce plastic use.

Groups Affected

Businesses involved in plastic production and use: May face increased costs and regulatory burdens, potentially needing to adapt products and processes to meet the bill's targets.

Consumers: May experience changes in product availability and prices, potentially leading to shifts in consumption patterns.

Environmental groups: Will likely welcome the bill's objectives, and the increased monitoring and transparency measures.

Devolved Administrations: Will be consulted on policy and resource needs for implementing the bill within their jurisdictions.

Individuals with protected characteristics: Will be specifically consulted regarding the effects of designating plastics as "essential" to avoid discrimination.

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