Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department has taken to ensure that retailers pass on the full cost of the five pence charge for plastic carrier bags.

Since the introduction of the five pence plastic bag levy, our data indicates that the ten largest retailers in England have raised around £94.8 million in net proceeds and that approximately £74.4 million towards a variety of good causes covering the arts, education, environment, health, heritage and sports as well as local causes chosen by customers or staff.

The regulation does not specify to record where the proceeds of the charge are distributed. Retailers are, however, expected and have been encouraged by Ministers to donate the proceeds to good causes such as charities or community groups.

Defra publishes records supplied in accordance with the regulation by 31st July each reporting year on GOV. UK.