Ross secures parliamentary debate on delivery charges
Moray MP Douglas Ross is delighted to have secured a debate in Westminster next week to give MPs the chance to address the issue of excessive delivery charges suffered by people in the north of Scotland.
Douglas said: After raising the scandal of high cost delivery charges with the Prime Minister and with the UK minister for Business, Margot James, I am pleased to secure a debate on Wednesday, December 20, on the issue.
“It is a really positive step forward and is the first time in this session that MPs will have the chance to join me in raising their concerns about the fact that too many people are being ripped off by companies who ramp up delivery charges based purely on postcodes and with no understanding of geography. We can send a strong, united, cross-party message to the companies that treat areas such as Moray with contempt.
“I have been contacted by many people on this issue already and I’m keen to hear from more who have been ripped off purely because of where they live ahead of the debate. It will be an opportunity to raise examples of people who have been charged exorbitant amounts for parcel deliveries and will also be an opportunity to highlight what the UK Government can do to help.”
“After fighting for this issue to be recognised since being elected, Douglas said: “It is fantastic to have secured this debate which I hope will secure results for all the people who have suffered this injustice for too long.”
After meeting Douglas, Margot James MP stated that although it was legal for delivery companies to make differential charges, they have a duty to consider the fairness of their pricing structures and they have a legal obligation to ensure that delivery charges and conditions are clear to consumers before they place an order.
She added: “OfCom has completed a two-year study of the issue and I will work with the Consumer Protection Partnership to establish a review of the evidence collected so far to see what can be done to protect Scottish consumers from excessive charging.”
Douglas concluded: “I am determined to see this scandalous practice brought to an end, and next week’s debate is another important element in this campaign.”