Isles look set for fair delivery charges

A new code of practise which online retailers will be expected to follow has been hailed by Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael as a “big step forward in the fight for fairer delivery charges”.

His comments come after the Business Minister and Liberal Democrat MP Jo Swinson announced a new code of practise for parcel deliveries on Thursday, to ensure that delivery charges for consumers in remote communities are clear.

It also aims to ensure that businesses do not discriminate against consumers on the basis of location.

Commenting, Mr Carmichael said: “For too long local people have been unfairly charged extra for delivery. I have been working alongside my colleagues in government to put an end to discriminatory practises and these new guidelines are a big step forward in our fight for fairer delivery charges

“A few retailers embraced our campaign to give consumers living in remote parts of the UK a fair deal, but many were too slow on the uptake. So now the Liberal Democrats in Government have taken action.

“By setting out best practice for online deliveries, which has fairness at its heart, we are helping to weed out discrimination based on location and ensuring that the cost of delivery will be clearly stated before purchase.”