Would a 10p plastic bag levy cut more waste?

I AM a retired chartered waste manager and it is a myth that increasing the shopping bag tax to 10p will have an impact on plastic waste in the oceans. Two billion of the world’s population don’t have access to organised waste storage and collection. They dump their rubbish and most of it washes into the sea. Many small traders in the UK have kept their share of the 5p charge as extra income, while the remainder goes on VAT. The public have to buy bags to replace the ones they recycle, so consumption is far higher than is claimed. We should insist that shops charging for carriers display a notice detailing how much money they have donated and to which good causes.

JOHN F. CRAWFORD, Lytham St Annes, Lancs. WHY the surprise about doubling the plastic bag levy to 10p? When did a tax ever come down? DOUG MATTHEWS, Nottingham.

THIS increase would punish people for showing restraint and care. We need other incentives to decrease the use of plastic food packaging, straws and single-use cups. Many countries make no effort in this area, but once again it’s the British who are victimised.

JOHN PEARCE, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. I DON’T think the plastic bag money should go to charity. Give it to the Treasury to pay for the NHS, pensions, education and defence.

MERELENE DAVIS, Chesham, Bucks.

THERE is only one way to deal with the damage that plastic bags cause — stop producing them.

ADEYEMI BANJO, London SE15. WHY don’t shops sell sturdy brown paper bags for 10p? RON EDWARDS, Leicester.