As the government pushes forward with its net zero agenda, families in Lincolnshire are set to feel the squeeze from new policies that seem to penalize rural and working communities the most. Chief among these is the so-called “grocery tax,” part of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, forcing manufacturers and retailers to pay for packaging disposal. While this may sound like a step toward a greener future, in practice, it’s another financial burden for households and businesses across our county.

The Cost to Lincolnshire’s Families

The government’s figures predict this tax will add up to £56 per year to the average household’s shopping bill. This is yet another blow for Lincolnshire residents already grappling with rising food prices and stagnant wages. Our communities rely on affordable groceries, particularly in rural areas where incomes are often lower, and options for shopping around are limited.

But it’s not just the direct costs. Inflation remains high, and the EPR scheme is projected to add another 0.07%. That might not sound like much, but every small increase chips away at household budgets. With its rural and ageing population, Lincolnshire already struggles with higher living costs, including fuel and transportation. This “grocery tax” will only deepen the divide between rural areas like ours and wealthier urban centres.

A Burden on Local Businesses

Lincolnshire’s economy thrives on small businesses, many of which are family-run. For them, the EPR scheme represents higher costs and red tape. Many local producers who package their goods for sale will face steep fees, mainly if they rely on plastic materials, which attract the highest levy. These costs will inevitably be passed down the supply chain, making it even harder for small businesses to compete in an already challenging economic climate.

Rather than investing in innovation or job creation, our local businesses will now be forced to allocate resources to meet arbitrary packaging quotas. In a county already struggling to attract investment, this will hit jobs and growth hard.

Net Zero at What Cost?

The government’s obsession with net zero targets creates costs for areas like Lincolnshire without clear benefits. The UK accounts for just 1% of global emissions, yet policies like EPR disproportionately punish our communities while achieving negligible impact on global carbon reduction. Worse still, by shifting manufacturing overseas, we’re simply exporting emissions to countries like China and India, where environmental standards are weaker.

Lincolnshire residents are already paying the price of this misplaced agenda through higher fuel bills, inflated car costs due to green quotas, and now this grocery tax. At a time when we should be focused on economic recovery, these policies are draining family budgets and undermining growth.

A Better Way for Lincolnshire

Here in Lincolnshire, we know how to balance environmental sustainability with protecting livelihoods. Our county council has invested in LED street lighting, improved recycling infrastructure, and flood prevention measures that deliver tangible benefits without unfairly taxing residents​​​. These are practical, targeted solutions that should inspire national policy, not the other way around.

Instead of punitive measures like EPR, the government should:

  • Focus on innovation grants for sustainable packaging, encouraging businesses to adopt greener materials without passing costs to consumers.
  • Invest in infrastructure improvements, such as better rural recycling facilities, to help areas like Lincolnshire transition to a circular economy.
  • Ensure any new environmental levy is offset by reductions in other taxes, such as VAT on essential items, to avoid increasing the cost of living.

For Lincolnshire, these net zero policies represent yet another example of Westminster failing to understand the realities of rural life. While the rest of the country debates green credentials, families here struggle to make ends meet. The Conservative Party has always championed low taxes and fiscal responsibility—values that resonate deeply with the people of this county. It’s time to revisit these policies, protect Lincolnshire families from unnecessary costs, and focus on solutions that genuinely balance sustainability with economic growth.