Julian Knight MP wants to make more local charities aware of the funding opportunities opened up by the Government’s new tax on plastic bags.
The 5p charge, levied by retailers with more than 250 permanent staff, has been an astonishing success: in its first six months it cut bag usage from more than seven billion to less than half a billion.
In addition to hugely reducing the amount of plastic Britain will waste and dump into the ocean by more than 40,000 tons, the charge has made millions of pounds available to supermarkets to boost local good causes.
Julian has already written to several charities and voluntary groups to raise their awareness of new finance opportunities, and wants to make sure that Solihull charities don’t miss out on these funds.
Commenting on the initiative, Julian Knight said:
“It’s really fantastic to see the Government’s bag levy doing so well, proving that small, smart changes can make a big difference to the way we live.
“Cutting plastic wastage will help our economy and the planet – but the local angle is important too. Shops give the money raised on bags to good causes in the community.
“Solihull has an amazing range of charities and volunteers, and this year I want to do more to give them the help they deserve, not least by making sure they don’t miss out on this money!
“Retailers are a very important part of our thriving local economy. Last year I recognised locally-owned stores with my ‘Best Local Shop’ campaign, but big retailers are just as much a part of our community and this is a great way for them to play a larger role in the town.”