More than £13m raised from bag charges in one year

The carrier bag levy in Northern Ireland raised more than £13m in the last year, according to figures from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

The scheme has been running for 11 years.

Money from it is used to fund environmental projects across Northern Ireland.

The number of bags given out by retailers in 2023-24 fell by 8.1%, from 65m to 59.7m.

The rate charged per bag increased from 5p to 25p per bag in 2022 and is now charged on all bags costing up to £5 regardless of what material they are made of.

Retailers set the price of the bags, and are obliged to charge for them when selling goods including groceries and clothing, but not under other circumstances, for instance when they are selling takeaway food.

• More on the carrier bag levy

Just over a third of the bags dispensed in 2023-24 were lower rate ones costing 25p.

Most (64%) were higher rate bags.

The number of bags used varies throughout the year, with most being used during October to December, coinciding with the peak Christmas shopping period.