Independent retailers have welcomed the decision by local authorities in London to withdraw their Shopping Bag Bill from parliament.
The London Councils group wanted a ban on single-use carrier bags in the capital.
Shane Brennan, public affairs director at the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS), said: “ACS is committed to reducing carrier bag use; however we opposed this Bill and welcome that it has been withdrawn.
“A London specific solution would do more harm than good.”
But the local authorities vowed to ensure the Government delivers on its promise to dramatically reduce the number of single use shopping bags given out each year.
It took the decision to withdraw the Bill after the Government pledged it would impose a minimum charge on shopping bags if retailers fail to make a voluntary and significant cut in the number of bags they give out.
If the retailers fail to comply, the minimum charge will be imposed across England and Wales – this should bring about an even greater reduction in bag usage than London Councils’ Bill, which would only have affected London.
London Councils chairman Councillor Merrick Cockell said: “We have today decided to withdraw the London Shopping Bags Bill, having accepted that the Government’s amendments to the Climate Change Bill could bring about our desired reduction in the number of single-use shopping bags given out.
“We are accepting the Government at its word, and fully expect them to take action against retailers should they fail to reduce numbers voluntarily.
“The Government must never forget the depth of public feeling on this issue. We will continue to hold them to account should they fail to deliver on their promise.”
