A new “grocery tax” designed to achieve the Government’s Net Zero targets will push up household shopping bills by up to £1.4 billion a year. GB News has more.
The green tax will add as much as £56 to annual household shopping bills, according to Government calculations.
The scheme, which charges retailers and manufacturers based on their packaging materials usage, has been quietly passed into legislation as part of the U.K.’s waste reduction and Net Zero strategy. Critics warn the measure will increase food costs for families while creating additional bureaucracy for businesses.
Under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, which comes into legal force on January 1st, 2025, businesses will face charges for packaging waste collection and disposal.
The system, originally devised by Michael Gove during his tenure as Environment Secretary, was previously put on hold following opposition from Conservative MPs and retailers. The first charges will be implemented in autumn 2025, shifting the cost burden from local authorities to manufacturers and retailers.
Read more: ‘Grocery Tax’ to Hike Britons’ Shopping Bills by £56 in Labour Net Zero ‘Inflation Boost’
