MSP Maree Todd slams 'postcode lottery' as it emerges the Highlands suffered the brunt of rip-off delivery charges
The Highlands and Islands account for almost 70 per cent of rip-off delivery charges in Scotland, according to a new report.
The authoritative Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) found that in 2020 Scots were being left out of pocket to the tune of £43.1 million – of that, the north paid £30.1 million.
The three worst affected constituencies were all in the Highlands:
- Inverness and Nairn (£7.8 million or 18 per cent of the Scottish total)
- Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch (£6.7 million, 16 per cent of the Scottish total)
- Caithness, Sutherland and Ross (£5.2 million, 12 per cent of the Scottish total)
The charges have created a postcode lottery for many, with rural communities – those most in need of deliveries – often charged more than other areas.
Across Scotland, online shopping increased by £6.7m in the past three years.
Highlands regional MSP Maree Todd believes such charges will hit hard-working families in the run up to Christmas.
“It is very disappointing that people in the Highlands and Islands are having to fork out more than others in Scotland just because of where they live," she said.
“Despite efforts from MSPs, the charges continue to sky-rocket.
“During the Covid-19 pandemic many of us have relied on online shopping in one way or another and we should not have to be punished purely on postcode alone – it will really hit hard-working families this Christmas.
"Now, more than ever, delivery charges across the UK should be fair and transparent, and people should have the information they need to make informed choices.”
