England uses six billion fewer plastic bags following 5p charge

The amount of single-use plastic carrier bags used by shoppers in England has fallen by six billion since the introduction the 5p charge last year.

The Government data suggests the charge for the bags has also resulted in donations of more than £29 million from retailers towards good causes including charities and community groups.

Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey said that the reduction in numbers was “fantastic news” but that more could always be done.

“It shows small actions can make the biggest difference, but we must not be complacent as there is always more we can all do to reduce waste and recycle what we use,” she said.

Over seven billion carrier bags were issued by seven main retailers in 2014, falling to just over half a billion in the first six months of the 5p charge for single use carrier bags introduced in October 2015.

The reduction in numbers follows the trend seen in the rest of the UK since the introduction of the levy.