Delivery surcharge total angers MSP
The constituency of Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch pays the highest delivery surcharges in Scotland according to new annual figures from the Scottish Parliament's research unit.
MSP Kate Forbes has continually called on the UK Government to act and end what she has slammed as ‘ripoff charges' for the Highlands and the latest report shows her constituency is thought to pay more than £9 million-a-year.
For the whole Highlands and Islands region, the figure is £40 million and nationally almost £45 million.
Ms Forbes said: ‘The scandal of retailers charging more than £9 million to customers in Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch has never looked like such a rip-off. That means customers who purchase goods online, especially with the surge in sales during the pandemic, have paid over the odds and lined the pockets of retailers and delivery firms who think nothing of over-charging Highland consumers. It is, and always has been, an absolute disgrace and it is long overdue for the UK Government to act.
‘More than £9 million across Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch could have been spent in the local economy and made an enormous difference.'
Advice Direct Scotland, which runs Scotland's national consumer advice service consumer advice. scot, has an online form for people to report unfair delivery charges, with information passed on to the relevant authorities for further investigation.
Marjorie Gibson, head of operations with Advice Direct Scotland, said this latest report highlights the ‘unfair treatment' faced by many Scots living in remote and rural areas.
She added: ‘We encourage Scots to report instances to us where they believe they have been unfairly treated. Too many people living in remote and rural areas find online bargains have hidden charges or small-print delivery information that can be missed when making a purchase. When shopping online, always check for delivery charges first. We have been working closely with the Scottish Government and Highland Council in particular to deliver fairer deals for all online shoppers.'
Frazer Coupland, chief executive officer of Lochaber Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the new report telling the Lochaber Times: ‘It confirms we are unfairly penalised in the Highlands. But I was shocked at just how much more the folk of Lochaber, Skye and Badenoch have to pay for deliveries. It is vital delivery charges are reduced for our area. It's unbelievable we're paying an extra £9million in delivery surcharges every year. That is £9m lost to our community and economy. We urge the UK Government to take action on this.'