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New tool launched to track unfair delivery charges in Scotland


By Sean McAngus

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A new online tool has been launched to track unfair delivery charges in rural areas of Scotland.

The facility from Scotland’s new consumer advice service consumeradvice.scot will collect vital intelligence as part of a campaign to tackle misleading advertising and sales tactics.

The service, in partnership with the Scottish Government and Trading Standards, asks consumers to fill out a simple online form atwww.consumeradvice.scot/delivery and relevant information will be passed on to the appropriate authorities for investigation.

The annual cost of extra delivery fees paid by Scottish consumers has reached £40million for the first time, according to figures obtained by Moray SNP MSP Richard Lochhead, who has been leading the campaign against the unfair practice.

The Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) calculated the yearly cost of delivery surcharges in Scotland was £36.3million in 2017, rising to around £40.1million-a-year now.

Consumers in Scotland’s remote and rural areas often discover hidden delivery charges added after purchase, or small-print delivery information that can be missed at the point of purchase.

The new tool from consumeradvice.scot was highlighted by MSPs in a members debate in Holyrood yesterday, led by Caithness, Sutherland and Ross SNP MSP Gail Ross.

She raised examples including a sofa that cost £299, with a delivery charge of £600 to postcode IV25.

Consumeradvice.scot was launched in April this year following the devolution of consumer powers to the Scottish Parliament, and provides free, impartial and practical advice on a range of issues.

Lorna Yelland, team leader with consumeradvice.scot, said:“For many people living in remote and rural areas of Scotland, bargain online deals often come with hidden delivery charges or small-print delivery information that can be missed by shoppers.

“This adds considerable cost for those living in some parts of the country, with people penalised just because of their postcode.

“The new online tool will collect vital intelligence relating to unfair delivery charges, and by answering a few simple questions consumers can help us turn the tide against this unfair practice.

“Consumeradvice.scot will collate intelligence to be passed onto the appropriate authorities for further investigation.”

While Richard Lochhead, SNP MSP for Moray, said:“I’m delighted that this new project is being launched to allow consumers to play their part in tackling these unjustifiable sky high parcel delivery surcharges that are hitting the pockets of families and businesses in many parts of Scotland.

“I have no doubt that this initiative will provide many examples of the ludicrous surcharges that some online retailers and their couriers are getting away with, especially as we approach the festive period.

"With all the agencies working together we can help deliver fairer delivery charges for Scotland.”

David MacKenzie, Trading Standards Manager with Highland Council Trading Standards Service, added:“We have had significant success tackling unfair delivery surcharges, with many sellers up and down the country changing their practices after Trading Standards intervention.

“But with e-commerce continuing to grow and new businesses coming online all the time, we are dependent on the public continuing to report matters to us.

“The run-up to Christmas is a busy season for everyone, but it is also a time when unfair surcharges come sharply into focus and we really appreciate consumers taking the time to get in touch.

“The new online reporting tool from consumeradvice.scot makes it easy and quick for consumers to pass on the information.”


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