MSP takes delivery rip-off case to Westminster

A Moray MSP’s campaign to end rip-off parcel delivery charges is gathering pace with UK government talks now arranged on the issue.

Richard Lochhead has been trying to tackle online retailers which inflate delivery fees on goods sent to northern Scotland.

He secured cross-party support for his campaign and called on the UK Government to introduce legislation to regulate the industry.

Now he will meet Kelly Tollhurst, the government’s Minister for Small Business, Consumers and Corporate Responsibility for discussions.

Mr Lochhead said: “The cases brought to me by my constituents in Moray led to what became a national campaign to tackle those online retailers that apply rip off parcel delivery surcharges – costing our rural communities across Scotland an extra £36 million a year.

“I have also referred over 200 online companies to the authorities that have misled customers by promising free UK mainland delivery only to surcharge Scottish customers.”

“The campaign now has cross-party support and we need both the Scottish and UK Governments to act.”

The meeting will be London next month.

Mr Lochhead previously met Guy Parker, the boss of Britain’s advertising watchdog Advertising Standards Authority who vowed to “put a lid” on false delivery charge claims. in