Marks & Spencer is planning to charge shoppers 5p per plastic carrier bag at its stores in the West Country next year, before rolling out the scheme nationally.

However, other big retailers such as Tesco want to see consumers encouraged rather than forced into using alternatives, This Is Money reported.

The London Councils Group wants to see a ban on plastic bags and is supporting a private Bill which would stop shops from handing out free bags and instead make then sell reusable alternatives.