Moray holidaymakers owed £1.4m
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Richard Lochhead has demanded action after suggestions that Moray folk could be owed £1.4million in withheld refunds for cancelled package holidays.
The figure is an estimate from Which?
It follows a survey of holidaymakers whose plans were interrupted by the pandemic.
Travel companies are required by law to refund money within 14 days.
However the huge number of cancellations has left many of firms overwhelmed.
The survey showed that 21% of holidaymakers who requested a refund in March were still waiting at the beginning of October.
Commenting on the figures, Moray's MSP said: "For many people this saga has rumbled on for far too long.
"It’s time for the UK government and the market regulator to get a hold of this situation.
"Times are tough financially for many local families.
"While I appreciate holiday companies were inundated with refund requests earlier in the year, we are now in November.
"We aren’t talking about spare change here – the average cost of a cancelled holiday was £1784, according to this survey.
"We all recognise the travel industry’s acute financial difficulties, but there can be no excuse for them hoarding the hard-earned cash of their hard-pressed customers.
"As a matter of urgency, the UK government needs to set out how travel companies will be supported financially to fulfil their legal obligations to passengers – and take firm action against those who continue to drag their feet.
"I would urge anyone in Moray still waiting on a refund from March to get in touch with my office.
"I will offer any support I can to make sure you get your money back."
