The deposit return scheme was a sound idea that has sadly become a huge waste of money.
Yet again we have seen finances squandered by the Scottish Government on another delayed project. The flagship recycling initiative was put on hold yesterday for a fourth time following months of arguments between Holyrood and Westminster over how it should work.
Businesses who have already invested in preparation for the deposit return scheme will be counting the cost. Millions of taxpayers’ money has been spent on legislation that isn’t fit for purpose. A few individuals have also been handsomely paid by the public purse to deliver a project that now won’t start until 2025 at the earliest.
Problems with the Scottish plan predated Westminster’s clumsy and ill-timed intervention last month. Small drinks producers feared it would force them out of business at a time of soaring inflation and a stuttering economy.
Some breweries and distillers in England warned they would stop sending their products north of the Border if the scheme cost them money. Littering is a growing problem and recycling rates have to improve. But taxpayers in Scotland can’t be expected to constantly bail out badly implemented government plans.
We have higher tax rates than the rest of the UK and no one should grudge paying a bit more if it leads to better outcomes for all. But at a time when our essential services are crying out for cash, the deposit return scheme has become an expensive mess that could take years to clean up.
Patient safety
Milly Main’s death was one of the biggest scandals at an NHS hospital since Holyrood was created.
The 10-year-old was in remission from cancer and her family hoped she would leave Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) and lead a normal life. But she contracted an infection and tragically died at a facility that was supposed to make her better.
A probe eventually found that Milly died after “probably” catching a water-linked infection at the QEUH. Scottish Labour have tabled plans for a “Milly’s Law”. It would empower a new patient safety commissioner to investigate serious NHS incidents and provide information to families.
Redress, including compensation, would also be part of the commissioner’s powers. Labour’s proposals are sensible as they tip the balance of power towards grieving families. Ministers should embrace Milly’s Law and ensure this plan becomes a reality.
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