The Scottish Affairs Committee holds a one off session on delivery charges in Scotland.
It is estimated that at least a million people in Scotland are subject to higher fees, longer delivery times or even refusal of service. The issue is most severe in island communities and the Highlands where charges can be as high as £18.60 per delivery and delivery times 3 days later than other parts of the UK. Many online businesses use private delivery firms who are not subject to the same service obligations as Royal Mail.
This inquiry seeks to investigate:
- The extent and level of higher delivery charges in Scotland, and which areas are most affected.
- Whether consumers in Scotland receive clear information about delivery charges.
- The reasons why higher delivery charges are charged in parts of Scotland.
- Whether delivery charges reflect the real economic costs of delivering goods in more remote parts of Scotland.
- What options exist for reducing or eliminating delivery charges in Scotland.
Tell the Scottish Affairs Committee how online charges affect you: