It claims that current amendments to the Bill “do not go far enough” and that the government is being “too vague” by failing to offer a comprehensive definition of what shopping bags are.
In addition to a minimum charge and a clearer definition for what a single use carrier bag is, London Councils would also like to introduce a time limit of one year from Royal Assent, after which the Government would have to release figures on how much retailers have reduced supply of carrier bags, which would see those who are ‘not satisfactory' facing ‘action'.
Councillor Merrick Cockell, chairman of London Councils, said: “Today represents parliament's last chance to take decisive action against the environmental nuisance caused by single use shopping bags.”
“They must be bold and back our cross-party amendments to the Climate Change Bill or else we risk the issue falling by the wayside. Unless they take action today, shopping bags could blight our environment for years to come,” he added.
Ban
Having floated the Local Authorities (Shopping Bag) Bill last November, London Councils initially called for an out-right ban on single-use carrier bags in the capital and has been vocal in its criticism of the provisions and amendments made for carrier bags under the proposed Climate Change Bill.
A spokesman for London Councils said: “London Councils is concerned that these amendments do not go far enough, and in particular, do not specify when, or even if, action will be taken – and what form the action will take.
“The organisation has put forward its own amendments to the Bill, which have the effect of setting out a timetable for action and guaranteeing a minimum charge for single use shopping bags,” he added.
The Climate Change Bill, which is expected to receive Royal Assent before the end of the year, is subject to its Third Reading in the Main Chamber of the House of Commons today.
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