UK to consult on plastic packaging tax, chancellor says

Budget seeks to reduce non-recycled plastics but resists call for levy on coffee cups

The government is to introduce a new tax on plastic packaging as it seeks to ramp up efforts to tackle the scourge of litter and waste from single-use plastics, it was confirmed in the budget.

Food and drink companies will be taxed on plastic packaging that does not include at least 30% recycled content, in a drive to reduce dependence on "virgin plastics" that are difficult or impossible to recycle, such as black food trays and plastic straws.