SHOPS in Wales could be forced to donate proceeds from carrier bag charges to charity under plans approved by AMs.

Under the Environment (Wales) Bill, which was unanimously given the green light in the Senedd earlier today, ministers have been given the power to require businesses to charge a set price for all carriers – including ‘bags for life’ – and donate the proceeds once their own costs are covered to charity.

The bill also includes a number of commitments to improve the country’s environment including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80 per cent by 2050 and requiring schools, hospitals and businesses to separate their waste from 2017.

Speaking in the Senedd today the Welsh Government’s Natural Resources Minister Carl Sargeant called it “a critical piece of legislation”.

“This bill has been made in Wales by the people of Wales,” he said. “Today is a historic day.”

Although the bill won widespread support, some members said they were concerned it did not go far enough.

Liberal Democrat shadow environment minister William Powell said he had hoped the Assembly would aim higher.

“Tackling climate change shouldn’t just be seen as an obligation, but more as an opportunity to build a stronger, greener economy here in Wales,” he said.

His Plaid Cymru counterpart Llyr Gruffydd called the new regulations “a step in the right direction”.