The change aims to further reduce the volume of plastic waste generated from the plastic bag sales

The move is expected to come into effect from 1st April

The government has confirmed small retailers that employ 250 people or less will no longer be exempt from the levy

Latest figures reveal Asda, Marks and Spencer, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, The Co-operative Group, Tesco and Waitrose sold 322m less bags last year

Up to 24 organisations will share the £2m grant generated from the carrier bag levy

The average person in England now buys only 10 bags a year compared with 140 bags in 2014 before the charge was introduced

It is inviting applications from charities, academic institutions, social enterprises, schools and colleges until 24th January

The new alternatives can be reused as food waste caddy liners

The initiative will be supported by a new international exchange programme, allowing Scouts from the UK and Kenya to visit one another

It could also be extended to all shops across the country