Plastic bag charge to DOUBLE to 10p from 5p in all shops later this month

THE plastic bag charge is set to double from 5p to 10p and will apply to all shops on May 21, the government has confirmed.

Up until now, corner shops and smaller stores have been exempt from the plastic bag levy, which aims to stop the huge pile up of bags in landfill.

The plastic bag charge is set to double from 5p to 10p in all shops on May 21Credit: Alamy

The increased charge was first announced by ministers last August, and has now been confirmed by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Since the levy was introduced in England in 2015, the number of single-use bags sold in the major supermarkets has fallen by 95%.

The average shopper now buys just four single-use bags a year, compared to around 140 in 2014.

By extending the charge to all shops, the use of single-use carrier bags is expected to drop by 70% to 80% in small and medium-sized businesses.

Here’s how to cut the cost of your grocery shop

SAVING on your shop can make a big difference to your wallet. Here are some tips from Money.co.uk about how you can cut the cost of your shopping bills:

Write yourself a list – Only buy items that you need. If it isn’t on your list, don’t put it in the trolley
Create a budget – Work out a weekly budget for your food shopping
Never shop hungry – you are far more likely to buy more food if your tummy is rumbling
Don’t buy pre-chopped veggies or fruit – The extra they’ll charge for chopping can be eye watering
Use social media – follow your favourite retailers to find out about the latest deals
Be disloyal – You may want to go to different stores to find the best bargains
Check the small print – It’s always worth checking the price per kg/lb/litre when comparing offers so you’re making a like for like decision as a bigger box won’t necessarily mean you get more
Use your loyalty cards – Don’t be afraid to sign up to them all. They all work slightly differently – work out what bonus suits you better and remember to trade in your points for additional rewards

The government is now urging businesses to get ready for the change over the next couple of weeks.

If businesses don’t comply with the rules, they risk being hit with a fine.

A survey in December for waste and resources body Wrap found 73% of consumers supported the levy.

However, the same poll found that 26% of consumers still buy single-use bags at the till when shopping for food.

It comes as Morrisons is taking the war on plastic one step further by replacing all plastic bags for life with resuable ones that cost 30p.

Earlier this year, Asda also scrapped free plastic bags for veg, and shoppers now have to bring their own or pay 30p for a reusable one.

Meanwhile, John Lewis plans to trial the removal of single-use bags from its Cheltenham, Kingston and Leeds stores from May 21.

Customers will be asked to bring their own bags or they can buy a reusable bag costing between 50p and 75p depending on the size.

Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: “We know we must go further to protect our natural environment and oceans, which is why we are now extending this charge to all businesses.”

While James Lowman, chief executive of the Association of Convenience Stores, said: “We strongly welcome the inclusion of local shops and other small businesses into the successful plastic bag charging scheme.

“It not only helps the environment, but is also a great way for retailers to raise money for local and national charities.”