DEFRA (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
have confirmed that changes to plastic bag charge regulations
will now not come into force on 30th April.
Changes to the single use carrier bag charge rules will see the
minimum charge for a plastic bag rise from 5p to 10p, and all
businesses included within the rules, where previously only those
with more than 250 employees have been included.
The changes were previously scheduled to come into force this
Friday (30th April), but have since been delayed, to ensure
businesses have sufficient time to prepare for the changes. DEFRA
will be updating on the new timetable for implementation in due
course, which we expect to be in the coming weeks.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Small retailers need as
much notice and support from DEFRA as possible ahead of the
change to enable them to provide advance notice of the change to
customers and colleagues, which will reduce the risk of
confrontation in store. We welcome the update on the
implementation date and look forward to working with DEFRA on
communicating the details to our members.
“ACS has long supported the extension of the plastic bag charge
to all retailers in England as a way to provide consistency for
customers, and as another great way of raising money for local
and environmental charities.”
According to DEFRA, since the scheme was introduced for larger
businesses in England, the number of bags used in those stores
has fallen by around 80%. Businesses of any size already charge
for plastic bags in Wales and Scotland.
The amendment to the Single Use Carrier Bags Charges (England)
Order 2015 continues to provide smaller retailers with an
exemption from reporting bags issued. Retailers with over 250
employees are required by law to record and report how many bags
they sell.
