SCOTS HIT BY £40 MILLION OF RIP OFF DELIVERY FEES: RURAL AND ISLAND CONSUMERS HIT BY RISE IN COSTS

The annual cost of rip-off delivery fees paid by Scotland’s rural and island consumers has exceeded £40 million for the first time, according to new figures.

An analysis published ahead of Black Friday, estimates that Scotland’s rural and island shoppers pay £40.1 million in additional delivery fees relative to the rest of the UK.

Rural and island consumers are regularly hit by extra delivery surcharges, despite products being advertised as “free delivery.”

As postal services are reserved to Westminster, the Scottish Parliament is unable to address this matter. However, SNP Consumer Affairs Spokesperson Patricia Gibson has led the fight at Westminster against these unfair practices, highlighting the added costs faced by Scottish shoppers, including those in Arran and Cumbrae.

Unsurprisingly, the Tories have refused to listen.

The SNP General Election manifesto will include a demand for new regulation to end rip-off delivery fees as part of a package of support for consumers.

Commenting, Patricia Gibson, SNP Candidate for North Ayrshire and Arran said:

“Scotland’s rural and island consumers shouldn’t face added fees simply because of their postcode. Under the Universal Service Obligation they don’t for letters, so why should they for other goods and services?

“It is enormously frustrating that people across Scotland, including here in North Ayrshire and Arran have to shell out tens of millions in hidden fees and extra surcharges.

“The SNP will demand that the next UK Government finally regulate these fees and stop shoppers from being hit by ever rising bills.”

The delivery surcharge cost to Scotland was calculated by the independent Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe). This is an increase of 11% since 2017 when it was £36.3 million.

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