Report on the Carrier Bags Bill (NIA 20/11-15) : together with the minutes of proceedings, minutes of evidence and written submissions relating to the report, fifth report

This report from the Committee for the Environment is on the Carrier Bags Bill which will introduce the second phase of charging for carrier bags, extending the 5p levy to the cheaper versions of reusable bags in order to address concerns that these bags will become the new "throwaway" bag.

This follows the first phase of charging for carrier bags, which came into effect in April 2013 and introduced a 5p charge for single-use carrier bags.

The Committee is pleased that initial evidence suggests that the first phase of carrier bag charging has led to a significant decrease in the number of plastic bags in circulation.

Members were concerned that the Department's proposed implementation date for the second phase of charging - April 2014 - was too soon.

They felt that it did not give the Department enough time to prepare the public for these new charging arrangements.

In addition, Members felt that the Department needed more time to gather clear evidence on how the first phase of charging has impacted on retailers, particularly smaller retailers, and on people's shopping habits. Representatives of the major supermarkets also told the Committee that a longer lead-in period would give them more time to get ready for putting the new arrangements in place.

In response to the Committee's concerns, the Department has now given an assurance that it will amend the Bill, and delay the further charges until at least January 2015