Delivery charge 'geography tax' rip-off needs more than wrist-slapping, says Easter Ross MP as Westminster debate looms

HIGHLANDERS ripped-off by additional delivery charges from firms claiming to offer a UK-wide coverage need protection from "business misconduct", a Ross-shire MP will tell Westminster next week.

The issue of delivery surcharges in parts of the Highlands and islands has fuelled growing anger amongst consumers and calls for action by public agencies and politicians.

Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross-based MP Jamie Stone has secured a debate in Westminster on Tuesday addressing additional delivery charges in areas of Scotland.

Individuals living in remote and rural areas of Scotland are often subject to excess delivery charges or denied delivery altogether despite retail guarantees of UK-wide delivery.

Speaking ahead of the debate, the Tain-based MP Stone said: “It is wholly unfair that people living in the Highlands and other remote areas must pay additional fees to simply have their parcels delivered. This ‘geography tax’ places individuals at an outright disadvantage in accessing the same goods and services made available to others throughout the UK. Retailers must be held to account to ensure that consumers everywhere are protected against business misconduct.

“This is why I am calling for the Government to take firmer action against these disproportionate fees. The Consumer Protection Partnership, established by this Government, must do more than slap the wrists of unaccountable retailers. Legislative action on consumer laws is needed.”

There has been cross-party support of moves to end what many believe to be an unfair regime of charges by companies, some claiming to offer free delivery to mainland addresses but then excluding the Highlands.

What's your view? Email newsdesk@spp-group.com.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.