News / The Postcode Penalty
THE TOPIC of rural delivery surcharges will be discussed in the Scottish Parliament later today (Thursday) when Highlands and Islands list MSP John Finnie hosts a debate on the controversial matter.
Recent research from Citizens Advice Scotland said that while less online retailers are charging an extra for delivering goods to remote areas like Shetland, those who do use a surcharge are requesting more.
They suggest that internet businesses are requesting over £14 per surcharge on average, with 53.1 per cent of retailers applying an extra cost to deliveries to the Scottish islands.
Green MSP Finnie will lead a debate called The Postcode Penalty on the matter from 12.30pm and he will call for the Scottish Government to do more to tackle the problem.
He will suggest that policymakers extend road equivalent tariff ferry fares to larger vehicles, as well as asking retailers directly to either cut or abolish their surcharges.
“I’m calling on all online retailers to look at the example of the 50 per cent of their competitors who don’t penalise customer in rural Scotland, and examine whether their charges are really necessary,” he said ahead of the debate.
“I suspect most companies who took the time to look at the situation would find they could reduce or scrap the surcharge.
“The Scottish Government can help reduce delivery costs by taking the initiative to bring together retailers, couriers, and ferry operators including state-owned CalMac to find ways to consolidate deliveries.”
Citizens Advice Scotland welcomed news of the debate, saying that they hope it is the “first step” towards government action.
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