Rachael Hamilton MSP has welcomed a decision by the Scottish Government to waive the plastic bag charge for ‘click and collect’, food deliveries and takeaways during lockdown.
It comes after the minimum cost of carrier bags in Scotland is set to double to 10p from 1 April 2021. The Scottish Government has said it is important to increase the charge periodically to encourage the use of reusable options instead.
In an answer to Rachael Hamilton's parliamentary question, the exemptions for these essential services will be in place until the 31st May 2021.
With more people using online food deliveries, the Borders MSP was concerned that constituents were going to be hit with additional charges as a result of supermarkets using plastic bags for deliveries, through no fault of their own.
She has welcomed the move after concerned constituents contacted her on the matter.
Rachael Hamilton MSP said:
“I was concerned these new regulations would place an unnecessary burden on vulnerable and elderly consumers during lockdown, who rely on deliveries.
“When people place online deliveries or through click and collect services, they cannot choose what their groceries arrive in.
“I am glad the Scottish Government has recognised this and have amended the regulations to exempt essential shopping”.