MSP urges businesses to pass on the 5p bag charge

MIDLOTHIAN South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale MSP Christine Grahame has welcomed the introduction of a minimum 5p charge for carrier bags in shops throughout Scotland.

The voluntary agreement asks retailers to report carrier bag sales and commit to donating money raised to good causes in Scotland.

The 5p charge on carrier bags was introduced in Scotland in October 2014.

This charge has raised around £7million for good causes and saw a reduction of 650 million carrier bags within the first year.

B&M Home stores made a donation this week of £16,000 to Marie Curie – raised from 60 stores across Scotland.

Ms Grahame said: “The 5p plastic bag charge has been hugely successful in reducing litter, helping the environment and raising money for good causes.

“I hope that retailers in my constituency can embrace this and sign up to the Carrier Bag Commitment, making a clear statement that the money raised by the 5p charge will be used for good.

“The 5p charge has encouraged consumers to think about the impact of their shopping habits and to reduce the number of plastic bags they use.

“Retailers should follow the lead of shoppers and commit to using the proceeds of the 5p charge for good causes.”

Retailers can sign up at www.carrierbagcommitment.org.uk