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As the postal deadlines for Christmas approach Business Minister Fergus Ewing has reiterated his call for fairer parcel prices throughout Scotland.

 

Mr Ewing said people in the Highlands and Islands are still facing disproportionate and unfairly high delivery costs when they are buying online.

 

The Scottish Government and Citizens Advice Scotland are working together for fairer parcel delivery practices, working alongside online retailers, and enforcement bodies in the interests of consumers.

 

Citizens Advice Scotland are currently undertaking a second review of the practices of online retailers who deliver in Scotland.

 

The first review in 2012 found at least 1 million Scots face surcharges, late delivery or are refused delivery altogether when they try to buy goods online.

 

 

Call for fairer parcel delivery charges  

17 December 2014

The Scottish Government published a Statement of Principles for Parcel Deliveries, which sets out guidelines for ensuring people in rural areas are not left paying higher fees.

 

Fergus Ewing said: “At this time of year shoppers are ordering online and sending presents in the post we are unfortunately we’re still finding that many customers in Scotland’s Highlands and Islands are faced with disproportionate costs when it comes to the delivery of their online purchases.

 

“But it’s not just customers who are affected by postcode penalties, businesses in rural areas are also hit hard by delivery surcharges.

 

“Retailers should take on board our Statement of Principles and in turn customers, particularly in the Highlands and Islands, will receive a better service. I welcome the recent announcement that the Statement has now been adopted across the UK. By abiding by the guidelines, online retailers can show respect for customers in all parts of the UK.”

 

Sarah Beattie-Smith Consumer Futures Scotland Manager for Citizens Advice Scotland said: “Our aim – as always - is getting a fairer deal for Scottish consumers. We have launched an update to our earlier work assessing over 500 retailer’s websites to determine whether they are complying with the Statement of Principles on parcel deliveries.

 

“Together with the Scottish Government, we are hosting an event Edinburgh on 29th January to offer retailers a chance to share best practice, hear from others on innovative delivery options and identify barriers for the industry.”