The co-operative has just announced today that it is going to give away the proceeds of the 5p plastic bag levy to local groups in Scotland that “make a difference to their community”. The local fund already contains £750,000 of which local groups can get grants from £200 to £2500.

I have met many of the local groups within Shettleston Constituency that provide valuable services to the community that could benefit from such a fund and as such I am delighted to hear of this new initiative from the Co-operative.

It is great to see a company acting ethically in line with the principles behind the plastic bag charge and I hope that many others will follow the example set by the Co-operative.

I would encourage any local groups that are eligible to apply for the fund and wish them the best of luck.

Link to apply for fund : https://www.co-oplocalfund.co.uk/good_cause_overview.aspx