McArthur calls for ministerial statement on Deposit Return Scheme

Scottish Liberal Democrat climate emergency spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP has today called on government ministers to deliver a statement to Parliament next week which will sufficiently address and deal with the legitimate concerns of businesses about the Deposit Return Scheme. 

The Scottish Government’s Deposit Return Scheme is due to go live from 16th August 2023. The deadline for drinks producers to register for the scheme is 28th February. 

This deadline is important because when they register, producers are committing to a three-year contract, with only limited knowledge of the costs involved in the scheme. If they don’t register, they risk not being able to sell their products in Scotland.

Scottish Liberal Democrats have called for the scheme to be paused.

Earlier this week, industry experts told the BBC’s Sunday Show that it would be “impossible” for the scheme to be introduced in August. Drinks manufacturers have spoken out against the details of the scheme, including the potential costs and trade barriers.

Mr McArthur said:  

“The Government seems to be hellbent on bulldozing ahead with this scheme, no matter the damage they cause in the process. They need to listen carefully to the legitimate concerns of businesses, but this just isn’t happening at the moment.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats were the first party to call for a deposit return scheme and we have repeatedly urged the Scottish Government to learn from successful schemes elsewhere in Europe.  

"Over the last year, I have worked with many of the local stakeholders trying to get answers to questions they have on how this scheme will work in practice. Yet, as we approach key deadlines, there is still a lack of clarity in too many areas. Businesses cannot be expected to rush into signing up for something when there are still valid concerns about potential costs and barriers.  

“Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation carries with it the opportunity for a fresh look at the scheme. I am calling on the government to come to Parliament next week with a statement pausing the scheme, breaking down the costs that it will incur for businesses and explaining how ministers will sufficiently address the concerns of producers.”