On the day the charge was introduced in England, October 5, Greener Kingston commented: "It's good to have a charge at last and we hope that it will substantially reduce litter and other environmental damage. But the Government has given no good reason for the complex and far from comprehensive system being introduced in England today. Everyone agrees that plastic bags, whatever size of retailer is giving them out, are harmful to the environment and most people are aware that paper bags are wasteful too - so why not charge for them all? Smaller shops want to join in, but they need to be sure that all shops will. It worked in other parts of the UK, why not in England?"
There was extensive coverage of the new 5p charge on the day of its introduction in England, October 5, 2015, and in the run-up to the day, with much comment on the unnecessarily complicated English regulations. But all publicity is good publicity, and the headlines do seem to have had an effect on shoppers and shop assistants. Read more at http://e-voice.org.uk/greenerkingston/news/two-cheers-for-the-new-5p-char/