Lords back single-use carrier bag plans

Peers agreed yesterday (November 17) to support amendments that include the plans to reduce single-use carrier bag use within the Climate Change Bill.

Their support for the proposals paves the way for the Government to be able to introduce the regulatory system that would mean retailers have to charge their customers for using single-use carrier bags.

The plans were introduced to the House by the deputy chief whip, Lord Davies of Oldham, who told peers that “by taking action on single-use carrier bags, we hope to catalyse other beneficial behaviour changes.”

And, shadow minister for the environment, Lord Taylor of Holbeach, also supported the amendments, telling the House that “we consider it vital to act on the scourge of the plastic bag litter in our country”.

The proposal for a statutory levy was first revealed in chancellor Alistair Darling's 2008 Budget, as a measure to be introduced if retailers fail to reduce the environmental impact of bags by 25% before the end of 2008 (see letsrecycle.com story).

The amendments were adopted by the Lords as part of the 'ping-pong' for the Climate Change Bill, where both the Lords and Commons agree any final amendments prior to the plans received Royal Assent.

Listed as amendments 40 to 42 within the Climate Change Bill, they provide powers to create regulations that will impose charges on retailers, as well as specifying a minimum charge per bag and clarifying just what a single-use bag is and appoint an administrator to oversee the system.

The also include proposals for “fixed monetary penalties, variable monetary penalties and compliance notices”, which will be decided on a case-by-case basis but will allow fixed penalties up to £5,000 for any retailer that breaches the regulations.

Incentives

The Lords also approved minor amendments to the Bill relating to the introduction of five pilot waste incentive schemes, ensuring the Government can “provide a clear framework for pilot authorities wishing to pilot a scheme before they submit proposals”.

The Climate Change Bill is now expected to be voted on before the end of the month and receive Royal Assent soon after.