Positivity From the Carrier Bag Charge

The government has consulted the public and businesses regarding their proposed changes to the carrier bag charge first introduced on 5th October 2015. Following the consultation, they have decided that in January 2021, the charge will increase from 5p to 10p and will be the same across all retail. This means that it won’t just apply to large companies – it will also apply to small retailers and therefore convenience retail will, for the first time, have to introduce the fee.

Some stores have already voluntarily introduced a fee for the bags. Across our estate of 3056 stores in England, Scotland and Wales, 2061 or 67.5% make a charge for disposable bags. Of these, 2430 stores are in England, and 1537 make the charge (63.2%). In Wales, the charge has been in place for all retailers since October 2011 and in Scotland since October 2014.

Customers it seems, are in favour of the change. The government survey got responses from a total of 583 people and stated that the majority voted in favour of increasing the fee from 5p to 10p. The public also voted in favour of extending the charge to smaller businesses.

So, with your customers in favour of the new reform, you needn’t worry that it will have a detrimental effect on your trade if its new to your store. There are bound to be one or two people who are more resistant to the change so it’s a good idea to demonstrate that it can be a positive change.