ACS has welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement of the Government’s long-term plan to protect the environment, including measures to reduce plastic packaging, with specific proposals to extend the 5p charge on single use plastic bags to all retailers in England.
In the announcements made today, the government state that they “want to extend the scheme so that small retailers also charge for bags. We’ll first be looking at voluntary agreements with the industry to achieve this, before we consider making this compulsory.”
Responding to the publication of the Environment Plan, ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “The commitment to consulting on a coherent strategy including cutting plastic waste is the right approach for delivering lasting benefits. We support regulatory action to extend the plastic bag levy to small retailers. A consistent approach to plastic bag charging in England will give all retailers the chance to raise money for good causes and contribute to the positive environmental impact of reducing the number of carrier bags in circulation.
“We will be responding to the Government’s consultation on what role the tax system can play in reducing single use plastics and will engage in the debate about reform of packaging waste regulation.”
ACS’ polling shows that 42% of convenience retailers are already voluntarily charging for plastic bags.
More details about the Environment Plan are available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/25-year-environment-plan
