What is really going on in politics? Get our daily email briefing straight to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A tax on throwaway plastic to stop it choking the oceans is set to be unveiled this week by Chancellor Philip Hammond.

The move would apply to single-use items such as plastic spoons, knives and forks, fast-food cartons and coffee cups.

And it would be likely to be added to takeaway bills in the same way as the plastic bag charge at supermarkets.

Mr Hammond will unveil the plan in Tuesday’s Spring Statement, pledging to consult the public and environmental groups before deciding on the move.

(Image: Getty Images)

Mr Hammond said: “Plastic waste is a scourge. From crisp packets to coffee cups, the UK produces millions of tonnes of waste which is neither recyclable nor biodegradable.

“We are determined to create an environment that is fit for future generations.”

A million seabirds and tens of thousands of animals are killed by plastic waste each year. The amount we throw away annually would fill 1,000 Royal Albert Halls.

Mr Hammond has ruled out making tax changes or public spending announcements on Tuesday, saving them for his Budget in the Autumn.

But he will talk of an “economic turning point”, telling MPs: “We’ve seen the first signs that productivity growth – the key to higher wages – may be increasing. There is light at the end of the tunnel.”

And he is also expected to announce that he is in a position to bring down borrowing, from a forecast ­£49.9billion to £40billion.

Voice of the Sunday People: Planet's a budget winner

Philip Hammond announces his spring statement on Tuesday.

Not much detail of what’s going to be said has emerged yet – probably because he’s not going to say very much.

But one thing on his list is a consultation on single-use plastics. It’s not the most thrilling thing we’ve ever heard, but it is of vital importance. Plastic is a massive environmental concern.

UN figures show plastic marine waste costs the planet £6billion every year. It devastates the eco-system, killing millions of seabirds and tens of thousands of mammals.

In the UK, we create more than two million tonnes of plastic packaging waste every year – with only a tiny proportion recycled. The Chancellor wants to hear from everyone about the scale of the problem he calls a “scourge” and how we tackle it.

A target of 2042 has been set to stamp out plastic waste. Ideally, we should hit that target sooner. The future of the planet is precarious at best. And we all need to do our bit to protect it.