M&S to charge for bags

Marks & Spencer is to introduce a 5p charge for grocery bags in a bid to cut plastic waste, it was revealed today.

The decision follows successful trials in Northern Ireland, which resulted in a 66 per cent cut in the number of bags used by shoppers.

In January the charge will be extended to 33 stores in the South West of England, and is almost certainly to be rolled out across the whole of the country including the West Midlands – with other retailers set to follow suit.

For three weeks from January 13 customers will be given a free M&S Bag For Life with each food transaction. The 5p charge for standard food carrier bags will start on February 3.