AQW 26961/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 07/12/2021
Answered On Date: 13/01/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs how the money raised from the increased plastic bag levy will be spent.

Answer:

The Carrier Bag Levy in Northern Ireland is the most comprehensive in the UK as not only does it include all bags but also we are the only jurisdiction where all proceeds are reinvested to support the wider environmental sector. Since it was introduced in 2013 a total of £35.1m of income has been generated, which covers the eight year period between 2013-14 and 2020-21.

Over this period £24m has been utilised on the department’s main environmental grant programme, The Environment Fund (formerly Natural Environment Fund), with £3.5m funding the carrier beg levy team who are responsible for administering and enforcing the levy. The remaining £7.6m has been used on other environmental programmes including local clean up support, tackling plastic waste and contributions to the UK Climate Change Committee and Climate NI.

On 1st April 2022 the levy is due to increase from 5p to 25p per bag and the charging threshold will also increase to £5. It is expected that additional revenue will be realised in 2022-23 and beyond as a result of these changes. However at this stage it is difficult to predict the quantum of additional revenue that will be generated as much depends on customer behaviour and general economic activity.

The Department will continually review actual and predicted income levels in 2022-23 although it is envisaged that all revenue generated will continue to be reinvested to fund the full range of environmental programmes and principally the Environment Fund.