As a responsible retailer, we have been working hard over many years to reduce our waste and the impact we make on the environment. From Monday 5 October 2015, with the introduction of a new law in England, we will no longer issue free single use carrier bags in our stores, and we will be introducing a range of reusable carrier bags in a selection of different sizes starting from 5p.

While we believe that the best approach is to encourage customers to always take a bag with them whenever they go shopping, we understand that there will inevitably be some occasions when a carrier bag may be required. 

We’re donating the net proceeds* of the sale of these bags to BBC Children In Need**, as we want to help our customers care for the environment while also making a difference in their local communities. BBC Children In Need funds over 2,500 community projects in the UK with the vision that every child in the UK has a childhood which is safe, happy and secure, and that allows them the chance to reach their full potential.

Please note that bags containing certain items are exempt from the levy, for example if customers have prescription items and want these in a bag, a plastic carrier bag will be issued free of charge.

*Net proceeds relates to the full figure after deducting VAT and production costs of these reusable bags

**In Northern Ireland, we will continue to make payments to the Environment Department in addition to BBC Children in Need