New 5p bag tax will raise £5m a year for charities

A CAMPAIGN to make shoppers aware of a new 5p charge for plastic bags has been launched by Scotland’s Environment Secretary.

Richard Lochhead began the public awareness drive at the Gyle shopping centre in Edinburgh yesterday, ahead of the introduction of the levy on October 20.

From that date it will cost at least 5p for each single-use carrier bag given out to shoppers regardless of where they shop, from supermarkets to corner shops and takeaways to high street retailers. The proceeds will then be given to good causes.

The Scottish Daily Mail has repeatedly called for the use of polythene carriers to be slashed because of the environmental problems they cause.

Scots use more plastic bags than shoppers elsewhere in the UK, with an estimated 965million handed out every year.

The charge announced last year, is predicted to raise £5million for charity.

Research suggests shoppers will use 1.5million fewer carrier bags every day, and there will be an £11million annual boost for environment by reducing clean-up costs on beaches and streets.

Mr Lochhead said: ‘This milestone legislation underlines that Scotland is serious about tackling litter, reducing waste and creating a cleaner, greener environment for everyone to enjoy.’