Shoppers in England face 5p charge for plastic bags

Shoppers in England will have to pay 5p for plastic carrier bags from Monday.

Here's everything you need to know about the change and how it will affect you.

  • What's happening?

The Government hope the scheme will protect wildlife and reduce litter. Credit: PA Wire

You will have a choice: either bring your own bags or be charged 5p for a plastic one.

The rule only applies in shops with 250 or more full-time employees.

Smaller shops and paper bags are not included.

  • Why has it been introduced?

An estimated 7.6 billion plastic bags were handed out by major supermarkets in 2014 - the equivalent of 140 per person and 61,000 tonnes in total, according to the Government.

Campaigners argue plastic bags harm wildlife and spoil high streets.

The Government expects to reduce use of single-use carrier bags by up to 80% in supermarkets, and 50% on the high street.

Environment minister Rory Stewart had this to say about the new policy:

  • How can I avoid paying the charge?

Retailers with over 250 full-time workers will have to charge the fee. Credit: PA Wire

The simple solution is to bring your own bag - so-called 'bags for life' are often mentioned as alternatives.

The Government is using the hashtag #reusebags to try and sway shoppers away from purchasing an endless supply of plastic bags.

It is also worth bearing in mind that smaller shops are not obliged to charge the fee.

Free bags will still be issued:

  • at shops in airports, on board trains, aeroplanes or ships

  • for items such as: unwrapped food, raw meat and fish where there is a food safety risk, prescription medicines, uncovered blades, seeds, bulbs and flowers, or live fish

The Government has outlined in full the exemptions to the rule here.

  • I shop online - will it affect home deliveries?

An Ocado home delivery van in south west London. Credit: PA Wire

The charge will also affect home deliveries and click-and-collect services.

Supermarkets will be expected to offer a "bagless" delivery service.

Some retailers will charge a standard flat fee for the average number of plastic bags used per shop, while others will charge 5p per bag.

  • What about the rest of the UK?

England is the last part of the UK to start enforcing the rule.

Wales introduced the charge in 2011.

Three years on, officials say the number of plastic bags used by retailers has fallen by 79%.

Scotland and Northern Ireland followed Wales' example in 2014 and 2013 respectively.

  • How will the proceeds from the charge be spent?

The money will be expected to be put towards 'good causes'. Credit: PA Wire

The Government insists the charge is not a tax and will not go to the Treasury.

"We expect retailers to donate the proceeds of the scheme to good causes, but it is for them to choose what to do, and which causes to support," the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs said.

The department said it expected retailers to reguarly update the Government on how it was spending the money.

  • What's been the reaction to the changes?

Plastic bags are seen littered across a field. Credit: PA Wire

The scheme appears to have the support of the majority of shoppers, according to poll for the Break the Bag Habit coalition of litter charities.

Environmentalists have welcomed the move but questioned whether the measures go far enough.

Some have called for a more comprehensive scheme which includes all retailers and all types of bags.

"This charge will significantly reduce the billions of one-use plastic bags handed out in the UK each year - but it should apply to smaller shops too," Friends of the Earth's David Powell said.

  • Do you agree with the scheme? Take our poll and have your say: