Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg recently announced that a five pence mandatory charge for single use carrier bags will be introduced from autumn 2015.
Environment Minister of England Lord de Mauley explained that last year, over seven billion carrier bags were issued by supermarkets in England. Far too many ended up in landfill or scattered around our streets and rivers killing wildlife and costing tax-payers millions of pounds to clean-up.
“Introducing a small charge for plastic bags will make people think twice before throwing them away. Year on year, the number of bags issued by retailers has been rising. Without a charge, the problem could escalate out of control and see our environment and animals suffer enormously” Lord de Mauley commented.
Deputy Prime Minister Clegg pointed out that similar charges in Ireland, Wales and Switzerland have led to an 80 per cent reduction in the number of carrier bags issued.
“This is not a new problem. We’ve waited too long for action. That’s why I am drawing a line under the issue now. The charge will be implemented sensibly – small businesses will be exempt.” Deputy Prime Minister Clegg commented.
Deputy Prime Minister Clegg explained that it’s expected that the charging scheme in England will follow the Welsh model in which retailers voluntarily give profits to charity. Small businesses with fewer than 250 employees will be exempt from the charge to ensure that they are not disproportionately burdened by the charges.
“We will discuss with retailers how the money raised should be spent but I call on them to follow the lead of industry in Wales and donate the proceeds to charity.” Deputy Prime Minister Clegg commented.