British Councils are ready to ban the use of plastic bags and London could become the world’s largest plastic bag free city in 18months.  After overwhelming public support, the 33 London councils are meeting to decide to either ban plastic bags or impose a hefty tax on hundreds of millions that are given away by retailers every year.  Over 90% of people asked by London councils said they wanted a complete ban or would support a 10-15p levy on every bag.

The treasury is said to be unlikely to consider taxation and the authorities are expected to press for a law-enforcing ban.  The authorities do not have the power to enforce the ban themselves so there will be a private bill in parliament required. 

More than 17billion plastic bags are handed out by supermarkets a year causing nearly 60,000 tonnes of plastic going into landfill.

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