The Liberal Democrats are demanding plastic bag levies.

Despite George Osborne's opposition to a plastic bag ban, the Liberal Democrat party have voted to fight any resistance from the Treasury.

Lib Dem environmental spokesman Andrew George has spoken out against the use of plastic bags, urging people to find more sustainable carrier alternatives, such as paper bags or cotton bags.

Despite prime minister David Cameron demanding reductions across the UK, plastic bag use has risen by around five per cent, reaching a staggering 6.75 billion in 2011-12.

A Lib Dem conference has demanded a levy on all single-use plastic bags, with proceeds being directed towards community food initiatives.

Despite support from inside government, Treasury resistance hasreportedly blocked such plans, with claims that it was reluctant to add to the day-to-day costs of low income families.

However, with official figures showing that around 350 million more bags were distributed by retailers over the past year, it appears that alternative solutions are needed.

Speaking to MailOnline, Lib Dem policy spokesman Mr George said: "We have seen some indications of support coming out of Number 10.

"It has always been over-ruled by the Treasury. We have only one remaining log jam and we need to keep firing the most effective weaponry at it and making it quite clear that this issue will not go away."

Across the UK, other countries are taking the issue more seriously. For example, Welsh shoppers are already being charged 5p for carrier bags, with all money going towards good causes.

The Republic of Ireland has had a levy since 2002, which has seen significant drops in plastic bag use, and English campaigners are hoping their nation will follow suit.

Last year, Mr Cameron told the press that the level of bag use in the UK was "unacceptable", hinting at the need to reduce landfills, pollution and unnecessary waste.

Ideas of introducing a plastic bag tax have been floated around, however, a levy seems to be a more accepted policy.

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