The Advertising Standards Authority has continued to issue enforcement notices after Moray MP Douglas Ross raised concerns in an ongoing campaign against delivery surcharges.
The Scottish Conservative MP has fought for years to try and stop the practice of “rip-off” fees added to parcel deliveries to the north of Scotland.
Earlier this month, Mr Ross secured a Westminster Hall debate on the issue, and was promised by UK minister for small business, consumers and labour markets Paul Scully that the government would “work with him” to ensure consumers had a voice.
One case that was raised during the debate was a constituent from Spey Bay, who was ordering from a gin distiller in St Andrews, 130 miles away. He was told he would not qualify for free delivery, but if he had sent the package to his friend in Cornwall, 596 miles away, it would be shipped free of charge.
ASA chief executive Guy Parker has confirmed to Mr Ross that an enforcement notice had been sent in the case – as the company’s website failed to mention surcharges for delivery to certain postcodes.
Scottish Conservative MP for Moray Douglas Ross said:
“This is a small victory for one of the many people in Moray affected by these charges.
“We should not be punished by these firms simply because of where we live and the fact that the surcharge wasn’t mentioned on the company’s website showed they were clearly in breach of the guidelines businesses have to work to.
“Research by the Scottish Parliament Information Centre found that people in Moray paid an extra £3million in surcharges in the last year.
“It is a huge problem and one that I continue to campaign on.
“I am pleased in this case that the Advertising Standards Authority has taken action and I will continue to work with them to expose the businesses that try to hide their excessive surcharges.
“But much more needs to be done. I said during my debate in Parliament that retailers and couriers alike need to get their house in order.
“I would also like to see the government taking a harder line if that doesn’t happen. The Minister responsible told me the government would work with me on this, and I will be holding him to that in the New Year.”