Keeping Bath and the rest of the UK litter-free is an issue that I am committed to tackling. I fully endorse the Government’s current development of a National Litter Strategy, for which a number of constituents have expressed support. To help facilitate this, a Litter Strategy Advisory Group has been set up, which includes representatives from local government, campaign groups and independent experts, as well as the packaging and fast-food industries.
This strategy will complement existing work, including actions to address litter in the marine environment. It will promote concerted, co-ordinated and effective actions to reduce litter and littering on land, which in turn should lead to a reduction in the amount of litter on our coastlines – a source of particular concern for many.
The UK's Marine Strategy is also very important in addressing this issue head-on. This sets out the actions being taken to improve the marine environment, including measures to tackle marine litter. In addition, given the trans-boundary nature of marine litter, I am glad that the Government is working closely with other countries sharing our seas.
A number of constituents have enquired about the introduction of a Deposit Return System. Defra has previously undertaken a full economic assessment of the costs and benefits of introducing such a scheme in the UK. Though this may increase recycling rates for the materials covered and reduce litter, the estimated costs of running such a scheme are very high; they are much higher than alternative measures that could achieve the same aims.
Taking that into account, it was decided that such a system is, for the time being, not the most appropriate. The government will continue to focus on other ways to increase recycling and address litter. You may also be interested to know that the recently introduced 5p charge on single use carrier bags has brought about an 80 per cent reduction in the use of plastic bags, which will also help to address the issue of litter in the marine environment.