LOCAL LIB DEMS WELCOME BAG CHARGE BUT REGRET BOTCHED IMPLEMENTATION (Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats)

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Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats <montlibdems@gmail.com>

LOCAL LIB DEMS WELCOME BAG CHARGE BUT REGRET BOTCHED IMPLEMENTATION

September 28, 2011 3:33 PM

Local Liberal Democrat politicians have welcomed the imminent introduction of a plastic bag charge for single use carrier bags. The charge will Gemma begin on the 1st October.

Regional Assembly Member William Powell said: "The introduction of this charge should cause a radical reduction in the number of carrier bags given out in Wales.

"The UK uses billions of plastic bags every year, many of which end up just dumped in the street. I am quite confident that this new charge will have a hugely beneficial impact on our local environment.

"However, it is important that local businesses are not adversely affected by the change. I raised this matter in person with the Minister in for Environment and Sustainable Development last week. I am concerned that the scheme is overly bureaucratic - a point that was raised by Lib Dems in the Assembly on numerous occasions. It is really important that the Welsh Assembly Government now works closely with businesses to ensure that the new bag charge does not damage trade.

"For such an important scheme it is disappointing that businesses haven't adequate information regarding the introduction of the charge. I urge local business people to contact me if they need help with the scheme - I can be reached vie email at william.powell@wales.gov.uk or by telephone on 01686 625527."

Gemma Bowker, Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesperson for Montgomeryshire, added:

"Plastic bags are a massive source of litter in towns and villages across Wales and have a terrible effect on our local environment and local wildlife, not to mention the tourist industry.

"I support in principle the introduction of the charge but I do feel that the Labour administration in the Assembly have made this scheme too bureaucratic. I hope that the Welsh Government works closely with local business in order to sort out any problems that arise.

"The Lib Dems will be watching closely to ensure that firms are not adversely affected by efforts to make Wales greener and that the initiative is sustainable.

"I urge people to take their reusable bags with them when heading out shopping, as it can take up to 1,000 years for a plastic carrier to degrade."

ENDS