Bag levy unit is based in city
A SPECIAL enforcement team based in Londonderry has been established to ensure shops charge customers five pence per plastic bag from next April and 10 pence per plastic bag the year after.
Environment Minister Alex Attwood said the Carrier Bag Levy Team (CBLT) was set up in preparation for the Single Use Carrier Bags Charge Regulations coming into operation on April 8, 2013.
The new regulations will require sellers to charge their customers a five pence levy for a broad range of single use carrier bags, not just those made of plastic.
The Regulations will also require sellers to pay the proceeds of the levy to the Department.
“An in house CBLT, based in Derry, has been established to administer collection of the levy and ensure that sellers implement the charging arrangements effectively,” he explained.
“In advance of April 8, 2013, retailers will be required to register as sellers of carrier bags. After that date, collection of proceeds of the levy will be undertaken on a quarterly basis.
“Sellers will be able to make payments on line, with first payments due in July 2013. The CBLT will administer the process. A variety of payment methods will be available, and sellers will be able to choose the method that best suits their personal circumstances,” he added.
Customer relations managers from CBLT will provide on the ground advice and guidance to sellers identified as being liable for the levy.
“They will also undertake compliance and enforcement activities, and help ensure that sellers are prepared for Phase 2 of charging proposals; the extension to low cost reusable bags from April 2014 and an increase in the levy from 5 pence to 10 pence,” the Minister explained.
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Weather for Londonderry
Thursday 23 May 2013
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 6 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 26 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 5 C to 12 C
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