Chamber response to consultation on Private Member’s Bill to introduce a levy on plastic bags

Londonderry Chamber of Commerce response to consultation on Private Member's Bill to introduce a levy on plastic bags

1. The Londonderry Chamber of Commerce welcomes the opportunity to comment and respond to the consultation on the Private Member's Bill to introduce a levy on plastic bags

2. The Londonderry Chamber of Commerce is the largest business representation organisation in the North West region of Northern Ireland. We represent the interests of over 500 members, are the voice of local business and are committed to the continued development of the local business sector and the enhancement of economic prosperity within this region.

3. Londonderry Chamber of Commerce disagrees with the introduction of a levy on single use plastic bags and welcomes the opportunity to voice its concerns on behalf of our membership.

4. Whilst the Chamber is strongly supportive of any measures designed to contribute towards waste reduction and effect environmental improvements, the collection of this tax places an additional administrative burden on our members businesses.

5. This levy will ultimately be passed on to end customers and we take the view that this levy will have an adverse effect on our members' businesses who are already coping with challenging business and trading conditions.

6. The Chamber also takes the view that the charge should not be imposed on customers of certain products, for example there are privacy issues surrounding bag usage at pharmacists and concerns regarding food contamination if the charge is imposed on consumers of "on the go" food products.

7. The Chamber is concerned that this Bill and the high charges that are proposed are likely to be perceived by the business sector and their customers as a revenue generating initiative rather than an environmental measure designed to reduce bag usage.

8. The Londonderry Chamber therefore recommends that the Department of the Environment engage with the business sector to explore alternative ways in which bag usage may be reduced. Such an initiative could be strengthened by a supporting marketing campaign.

9. Finally, the chamber is concerned that this Bill places tax collection responsibilities on the local business sector and as such is an unwelcome administrative and financial burden. Moreover the threat and imposition of fines for non compliance/accidents is unhelpful in ensuring the backing and full support of the retail sector.