Victory for the Mail as delivery fees face review
ONLINe retailers are set to face a tough crackdown on rip-off delivery fees as UK ministers finally admit ‘action’ to curb charges is needed.
Minister for Small Business Kelly tolhurst has signalled that the Government could launch a review into current legislation, which could lead to new regulations on prices.
the demand for a review was rejected earlier this year, but this week Miss tolhurst revealed a U-turn – insisting she is keeping an ‘open mind’ and could consider tightening the law.
Shoppers north of the Border have been forced to pay £36million more than people living elsewhere in the UK to receive parcels. those living in remote areas in Scotland face paying massive additional delivery charges.
the Scottish Daily Mail has highlighted the concerns of customers who have been hit with rip-off delivery fees, with MSP richard Lochhead also campaigning on the issue.
he was in London on tuesday to meet Miss tolhurst only 24 hours after the Scottish Government launched an initiative to publicly name and shame firms charging massive fees for rural customers.
Mr Lochhead asked UK ministers to look at current legislation, as the issue is reserved and needs Westminster to impose changes in law.
he met Miss tolhurst only months after her predecessor, andrew Griffiths, rejected his pleas for a review.
yesterday, Mr Lochhead said he was ‘heartened’ by the meeting, which he described as ‘constructive and valuable’.
he said: ‘Miss tolhurst acknowledged that this issue has now gained a lot more prominence and requires action.
‘We discussed the two key issues facing Scotland and some other parts of the UK, which are the often unjustifiable sale of the surcharges and the fact that too many retailers mislead customers by offering free delivery but then apply charges.
‘Miss tolhurst told me that she has an open mind in terms of reviewing the current legislation.’
Mr Lochhead raised fresh fears of spiralling charges ahead of the Christmas rush, saying: ‘With Christmas fast approaching, hundreds of thousands of Scots are going to be fleeced when buying their gifts online and the situation is now urgent.
‘this is despite the significant steps now being taken by the authorities to clamp down on sky-high surcharges, which is welcome, and most recently the Scottish Government’s action plan.’
following the Scottish Daily Mail campaign and Mr Lochhead’s efforts, the advertising Standards agency promised to issue enforcement notices to firms making excess charges, while amazon and eBay have pledged to expel third-party sellers for overcharging.
Charges for parcel delivery for highlands and Islands addresses are more than 30 per cent higher on average than those in other areas of mainland Great Britain, according to research carried out by the Consumer futures Unit.