Survey shows Northern Isles businesses are suffering from unfair charges

Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael has welcomed a survey of 250 businesses in Scotland’s remote, rural and island communities — including 70 in the Northern Isles — for Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS), which shows that over 90 per cent of those surveyed face extra delivery charges.

The report issued by the CAS recommended that, where possible, businesses should use Royal Mail as the universal service obligation will protect customers from high prices.

It went on to suggest that if delivery by Royal Mail is not possible, retailers should give customers a clear reason why this is not the case.

Mr Carmichael said: “This survey is clear evidence that it is not only consumers who are affected by unfair delivery charges but that local businesses are also hit hard. I fully agree with the CAS’s recommendations and welcome their help in combating unfair delivery charges.”