Deposit and Return Scheme for Scotland Regulations 2020 (as amended): equality impact assessment

Executive summary

21. This Final Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) has been carried out to identify potential impacts resulting from the introduction of a Deposit Return System in Scotland, and specifically the changes to DRS policy since the publication of the Joint Policy Statement^[12] which are given effect to in the Deposit Return Scheme for Scotland Amendment Regulations 2025 and the Deposit and Return Scheme for Scotland (Designation of Scheme Administrator) Order 2025.

22. Specifically, the EQIA considers impacts on equalities groups based on the three tests it is required to address:

• Does this policy eliminate discrimination for each of the 9 protected characteristics (PCs). If not, is the discrimination justifiable? Can it be mitigated?
• Does this policy advance equality of opportunity for PC groups?
• Does this policy foster good community relations between people of PC groups?

23. In alignment with previous EQIA iterations, some impacts for those with protected characteristics remain relevant. Findings suggest some elements of the DRS legislation could have a negative impact on individuals included in the Age and Disability protected characteristic groups.

24. Other factors investigated in relation to other protected characteristics do not appear, at this stage, to raise significant equality-related issues. However, this will be kept under review once the scheme launches.

25. In 2018, when developing DRS policy, a variety of stakeholders were contacted to assess the impact of the policy for different groups of consumers. This included: meetings with representative organisations, groups, and one-to-one interviews. Further detail can be found in the 2018 Interim Equalities Assessment.^[13]

26. This final EQIA examines the key features of the scheme which are most likely to impact on public participation in DRS. Specifically, the accessibility and convenience of DRS for consumers who are reliant on online shopping are considered.

27. It is important to note that the protected characteristics are not independent of each other and some people may be affected by complex and interconnected issues related to disadvantage at any one time. It is also recognised that this intersectionality applies to those experiencing socio-economic disadvantage, as highlighted in the Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment (FSDA)^[14] and those living in Island communities (ICIA).^[15]