10p Fee and Consultation on Expansion Announced
- 10p plastic bag charge to be implemented for all retailers
- Extension from 5p to 10p
- Prime Minister Theresa May’s announcement
- Consultation later this year
- Fight against global plastic pollution
- Plastic bag sales dropped by 86% in major supermarkets since 2015
- 3.4 billion single-use bags supplied annually by SMEs
- Voluntary approach by trade bodies for 5p charge
- Only 20% of SMEs participating in voluntary scheme
- Environment secretary Michael Gove’s commitment to environmental leadership
- 13 billion plastic bags removed from circulation in two years
- Independent retailers support the initiative
- Proceeds donated to local charities
Prime Minister Theresa May has announced the extension of the plastic bag charge from 5p to 10p, set to be implemented across all retailers in an effort to combat global plastic pollution. The original 5p charge, introduced in October 2015, saw a significant drop in plastic bag sales, reducing usage by 86% in major supermarkets and removing 13 billion bags from circulation in two years. With over 3.4 billion single-use bags supplied annually by small and medium enterprises (SMEs not yet participating, the government plans to consult on the extension later this year. Environment secretary Michael Gove emphasizes the UK’s commitment to environmental leadership, while independent retailers welcome the initiative as a means of reducing waste and supporting local charities.
Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about the proposed increase in the plastic bag charge and its impact on reducing plastic usage. It also includes quotes from relevant sources to support the claims made.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about the extension of the plastic bag charge and its impact on reducing plastic usage. It also includes quotes from relevant sources such as the Environment secretary and a trade body representative. The article stays on topic and supports its claims with data (86% drop in plastic bag sales). However, it could provide more analysis or context on the global issue of plastic pollution and potential long-term effects of the charge extension.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and major supermarkets
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses the extension of a plastic bag charge, which affects small and medium-sized businesses and major supermarkets, potentially impacting their revenue and expenses. It also mentions the reduction in plastic bag sales, which may affect their profits.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the article.
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