MSP says island delivery costs are ‘unjustifiable’
Alasdair Allan, MSP for Na hEileanan an Iar, has hit out during a debate in the Scottish Parliament at the unjustifiable delivery charges islanders face
Dr Allan pointed out to larliament on Wednesday last week that many islanders often have little option other than to rely on online shopping.
The power to regulate parcel delivery surcharging is reserved to the UK Government. However, despite these limits on its own powers, the Scottish Government last year launched its own ‘Fairer parcel deliveries: action plan'.
This will develop an interactive data hub to measure the fairness of delivery pricing, improve transparency, celebrate best practice by delivery companies and make it easier for consumers to know and exercise their rights.
Dr Allan said: ‘Islanders rely on being able to purchase items online that we cannot easily pick up locally. However, the Western Isles continues to be one of the worst places affected by retailers setting arbitrary and unjustifiable delivery surcharges. Island consumers have this year paid an extra £1.5 million in delivery charges. More has to be done to stop islanders being ripped off.
‘While the Scottish Government's recent action plan was a welcome step forward in the campaign against unfair delivery charges, the powers are reserved to the UK Government and they must step up to ensure that companies stop discriminating. The UK government should ensure these companies use the Royal Mail for sending out smaller items.'