The Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, George Eustice has announced that the Government is stepping up the fight against single-use plastics by increasing the plastic carrier bag charge to 10p and extending the scheme to all retailers from April 2021. It follows the results of the public consultation published last year, which sought views on the extension of this scheme.
Since the introduction of the plastic bag charge in 2015, sales of plastic carriers in supermarkets have dropped by 95%. The latest data shows that the average person in England buys just four carrier bags a year, compared with 140 bags in 2014. Also, as a result of these charges, £178 million has been donated to charitable causes, with £9.2 million donated last year alone.
The announcement marks the latest move to target plastic pollution and remove avoidable plastic waste through the Government's 25 Year Environment Plan and build back greener after the coronavirus pandemic.
Dr Laura Foster, Head of Clean Seas at the Marine Conservation Society said: "It's encouraging to see the Government take further steps in reducing our reliance on single-use plastic bags. Since the introduction of the 5p carrier bag charge, we've seen more than 60% drop in the number of plastic bags on the UK's beaches.
"It's so important we reduce our reliance on single-use items and we move to a culture of reuse. This increased charge, and extending to all retailers, will help remind people of everyday, simple changes they can make to help the marine environment."
