Independent retailers split on carrier bag charge, poll shows

A survey of independent retailers in Greater Manchester and Cheshire has revealed significant numbers believe they should have been included in the new 5p carrier bag charge.

The Federation of Small Businesses polled members ahead of the October 5 introduction of new laws which means large retailers employing more than 250 staff nationally have to charge customers 5p for every disposable carrier bag issued.

An FSB poll asked whether all retailers should have been included, regardless of size, with 42% of respondents indicating ‘yes’, 58% saying ‘no’.

While the new law does allow small retailers to make the charge if they choose, the FSB research revealed only a minority would. Just 9% said they would apply the 5p charge anyway, 78% said they would not. Thirteen per cent said they ‘may do at a later point’.

Simon Edmondson, Regional Chairman for Greater Manchester & North Cheshire said: “This research shows many smaller, independent retailers do have a strong sense of CSR, and are probably lot ‘greener’ than many people take them for.

“It also suggests that while the government may have thought it was doing small firms a favour by only legislating change to affect big business, this is clearly not a cut and dried issue for smaller firms.

“The vast majority aren’t going to apply the charge and that’s no doubt for fear of upsetting customers, and that’s understandable.”