Overview

This bill aims to ban the manufacture and sale of wet wipes containing plastic in England. The Secretary of State is required to draft regulations to enforce this ban within 90 days of the Act passing, creating offenses for non-compliance.

Description

The Plastics (Wet Wipes) Bill seeks to prohibit the manufacture and sale of wet wipes containing plastic in England. The bill mandates the Secretary of State to create regulations using existing powers under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Act 2008. These regulations will define offenses related to the ban's violation. The Secretary of State must present these draft regulations to Parliament within 90 days of the Act's passage. The Act applies only to England and Wales and comes into force immediately upon passage.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. However, costs will likely arise from drafting and enforcing the regulations, potential legal challenges, and public awareness campaigns.

Groups Affected

• Wet wipe manufacturers: Will be significantly affected, requiring changes to production methods or cessation of business.
• Retailers: Will need to remove plastic wet wipes from their shelves.
• Consumers: Will have limited access to traditional wet wipes, needing to switch to plastic-free alternatives.
• Environmental agencies: Will likely be involved in monitoring compliance and enforcement.

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