The Fed calls for retailer support on new bill
THE Federation of Independent Retailers (The Fed) has weighed in on the newly introduced Circular Economy Bill passed by the Scottish Government.
Passed by MSPs at the tail-end of June, the new regulations aim to encourage recycling and cut back on the amount of items and produce from going to waste.
Newly elected national president of The Fed Mo Razzaq has said that while the industry body agrees with the need to encourage recycling rates, it must be done so in a manner that will not leave retailers across Scotland out of pocket.
Razzaq said: “We agree that recycling needs to be better, but it also needs to be cost effective and procedures need to be transparent and simple to understand.
“We also share the Scottish Government’s ambition to deliver a circular economy, so long as there are discussions with organisations representing small businesses, such as The Fed.”
However, The Fed has highlighted the rising concerns over the additional charges and further restrictions that retailers will face as a result of this bill.
The new bill will see additional charges attached to single-use items as well as restrictions placed on the disposal of unsold consumer foods.
The Fed has argued that these measures will only act as a further pressure on retailers who are already financially pressed and could, potentially, see more consumers turn to less healthy food options as well.
Razzaq said: “Paying for food uplift is already expensive and retailers cannot afford to pay much more in disposal costs.
“This will deter small retailers from offering fresh food, which includes meat, fruit and vegetables. In turn, this will push customers towards buying longer life items which will lead to poorer, less healthier diets.
“Further to this, the extra charge on disposable single-use itmes will only place an extra burden on retailers. We will asking suppliers to offer a better rate of cost as well as reusable alternatives to disposable cups.”
