carrier bag charge 'will benefit shops and customers'

The 5p per bag charge introduced in Wales in October 2011 has brought a near 80 per cent reduction in bags issued, and the Northern Ireland 5p levy introduced in April is thought to be have had a similar effect.

Scotland, the UK's biggest per head carrier bag user, has announced the likelihood of a 5p levy per bag in October 2014.

The Deputy Prime Minister said: "Plastic carrier bags blight our towns and countryside. They take hundreds of years to degrade and can kill animals.

"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.

"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."

Environment Minister Lord de Mauley said: "We have all seen the effects of discarded plastic bags caught in trees and hedges or ending up in rivers where they harm animals.

"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.

"There are also plans to incentivise businesses for bringing biodegradable plastic bags to market in England.

"Provided the bags meet the required criteria, these could be exempt from a charge.shoes for ladies from china suppliers."

It is believed the charging scheme will be similar to the Welsh one where retailers voluntarily give the profits they make from the bags to charity.

Small businesses with fewer than 250 employees are exempt from the charge to ensure that they are not disproportionately burdened by the charges.

Incentives from the Government will also try to encourage the use of biodegradable bags.

Local businessman Wayne Edwards of Grimsby, who owns five Today's convienance stores across Grimsby and Cleethorpes, says he welcomes the charge on carrier bags but only if it is compulsory for every store.

He said: "We started charging for carrier bags a while ago in my stores.hiking boots sale On Sale - Shop our selection of Hiking Boots On Sale,www.qdgoutdoor.com.

"And it did have a negative effect on business.

"This is because there are other shops on the next corner or the next street who are not charging.

"When you have a choice between paying for carrier bags or getting them for free, I am guilty as the next man for choosing the free option.

"A charge on carrier bags can only work if every business has to charge, so that we are all in the same boat.

"We did offer the alternative Bag For Life but nobody bought them because they can get a bag for free elsewhere.Wholesale Sunglasses, You Can Buy Various High Quality Wholesale Sunglasses Products from Global Wholesale Sunglasses Manufacturers.

"In my small shops we go through thousands of carrier bags and I can't imagine how many the large superstores go through.

"I think charging would make a big difference to not only how many bags you see in the street and stuck in trees but also to business.

"I spend a lot of money on carrier bags as do all the shops, so reducing the number of carrier bags will be benefical for businesses, customers and the environment."

Many stores already provide alternatives to the disposable carrier bag.

A spokesperson for The Co-operative Food said: "Across the UK, we are already working hard to reduce the number of single-use carrier bags given out in our stores, and, thanks to the efforts of our customers and store staff, we continue to buck the trend in terms of usage and have reduced the number of single-use bags used.

"Last year we used 64 per cent fewer bags in our food stores than in 2006, when industry-wide reduction targets were first set.We supply ice bag sale to many dealers and convience shops.

"We have also increased the number of alternative bags available, which are displayed in prominent positions at checkouts, including Bags For Life costing 10p,Buy Quality Filter Bags at online store,bagfilterchina.com.Private label and custom ｛%｝. Family owned and run for over 30 years.shoes manufacturer which are replaced free of charge when they are worn out.