Plastic bag tax to be introduced in the North

A 5p tax on single-use carrier bags will be introduced in the North next year.

The levy will double to 10p in 2014, when a 10p levy on the more durable multi-use shopping bags will also be brought in, Stormont Environment Minister Alex Attwood said.

It will become the second UK region to implement the environmental tax, following Wales' lead last year.

A plastic bag levy has been in effect in the Republic since March 4, 2002.

Mr Attwood said he was setting the 5p rate in the first year to allow customers time to adjust to the concept.

"There is no doubt that carrier bags are a scourge on the environment," said the SDLP Minister.

"Evidence from other countries demonstrates that a bag levy is a simple and effective means to reduce substantially the negative environmental impact of carrier bag consumption.

"A proposed 10p levy on single use carrier bags and lower-cost reusable carrier bags can bring about significant environmental improvement.

"However I recognise that consumers will need time to change their behaviour and adjust to bringing their own bags when they shop. I therefore propose to discount the charge to five pence in the first year, when the levy will only apply to single-use carrier bags. This will ensure a phased approach to charging.

"I am committed to making Northern Ireland a better place to live, work and invest and this will certainly contribute to that goal."

Administration of the scheme will be based in Derry, and is set to see 10 civil servant posts relocate to the city as a consequence.

Mr Attwood needs the Northern Ireland Assembly to rubber-stamp the proposals before they become law. If the scheme proceeds as planned the 5p tax will come into effect in April 2013.

Information on arrangements for the implementation of the levy can be accessed on www.rethinkwasteni.org/carrierbaglevy.