Welsh Cross Party Group – Small Shops: Deposit Return Scheme
Wednesday 12th July 2023, 12:15 – 13:15: Microsoft Teams (Online)
MINUTES
PRESENT:
|
Name |
Organisation |
Minutes |
|
Edward Woodall |
ACS |
EW |
|
Daniel Askew |
ACS |
DA |
|
Willem Van De Ven |
ACS |
WV |
|
Julie James |
Minister for Climate Change |
JJ |
|
Rhys Thomas |
MS Support Staff for Sam Rowlands |
RT |
|
Tom Perry |
MS Support Staff for Tom Giffard |
TP |
|
Vince Tenby |
Tenby Stores |
VT |
|
Ruth Buckley-Salmon |
National Federation Sub-Postmasters |
|
|
Robin Lewis |
MS Support Staff for Vikki Howells |
RL |
|
Vikki Howells |
MS for Cynon Valley |
VH |
|
Howard Davies |
Welsh Government |
HD |
|
John Halliday |
British Independent Retailers Association |
JH |
|
Gwen Patterson |
Federation of Independent Retailers |
GP |
|
Philip Fenton |
British Glass |
PF |
|
Laura McCormack |
Booksellers Association |
LC |
|
Arianne Fleming |
British Glass |
AF |
|
Rosina Robson |
NHBF |
RR |
|
Eleanor O’Brien |
British Glass |
EB |
|
Benjamin Sullivan |
Private Secretary to the Minister for Climate Change |
BS |
|
Sarah Horner |
Welsh Government |
SH |
|
Seonag MacKinnon |
Federation of Independent Retailers |
SM |
|
Ioan Bellin |
MS Support Staff for Rhys ab Owen |
IB |
|
Russell George |
MS for Montgomeryshire |
RG |
1. Apologies
Andrew Goodacre – British Independent Retailers Association
Lucy Reece Raybould – British Footwear Association
2. Welcome and Introductions
VH welcomed attendees and explained to attendees the programme of activity for the CPG.
3. Local Shops and the Deposit Return Scheme
EW outlined how the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) works, the latest developments in relation to DRS in Wales, key considerations for retailers implementing the scheme, as well as recommendations for the Welsh Government to ensure it works effectively.
4. Welsh Government’s Plans for the Deposit Return Scheme
JJ introduced herself to attendees, gave a brief overview of the latest developments in Welsh Government on DRS and asked attendees to put forward any important questions on the Scheme.
5. Question and Answer Session with Minister
VM highlighted to the Minister key concerns on the cost of implementing DRS in stores and the return of investment. JJ and HD responded by highlighting the Welsh Government’s ongoing activity to help gather feedback and input from businesses to make sure the Scheme is fit for purpose and appealing for businesses to implement.
EW recommended to JJ that the Welsh Government take serious consideration to the strategic mapping of DRS to ensure it is effectively implemented in local areas for customers returning items and businesses wanting to take part in the Scheme. HD acknowledged EW’s recommendation and stated the Welsh Government is spending considerable effort in engaging with wider stakeholder groups and research to develop an effect strategic mapping operation.
RM asked JJ how the Welsh Government will deliver and clearly communicate to retailers upcoming policy announcements on DRS in light of the separate breadth of current and upcoming environmental regulations impact businesses which are often confused by which regulations apply to them. HD highlighted existing Welsh Government resources for businesses to use which include guidance and information on current and upcoming policies.
6. Closing Remarks
VH summarised the meeting and thanked everyone for attending.