Scottish Parliament debate as Citizens Advice report on delivery shame

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THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT will debate rip-off delivery charges to Moray and other addresses throughout the Highlands and Islands later today.

Led by Moray MSP Richard Lochhead, the debate at Holyrood will seek to add further pressure to businesses and couriers who all too often heap horrendous additional charges to those with a Scottish postcode.

Ahead of the debate today Citizens Advice Scotland has reported that excess delivery charges are being applied to anyone who lives north of the central belt. Now they are joining calls for Couriers to work together so that they might reduce their own operating costs – and pass fairer charges to customers.

CAS consumer spokeswoman Nina Ballantyne said: “Delivery charges should be up front and justifiable – we would like to see consistent pricing policies throughout the UK. We are committed to finding solutions for consumers and are working with delivery companies and consumer groups to reduce costs and improve transparency.”

CAS figures indicate that north and north-east customers pay around 30% more in delivery charges – and that can rise to 50% more for those in the Highlands and Islands.

Mr Lochhead said: “I welcome these findings which are consistent with the shocking stories I have been hearing as part of my own campaign. There should be set standards that retailers should be forced to adopt for deliveries throughout the country.”