Scottish delivery rip-off shows need for public post
19th December 2012
Research by Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) shows the need for a
publicly-owned Royal Mail with a commitment to a universal service,
says the Communication Workers Union (CWU).
A report by the Edinburgh-based organisation says more than a
million Scots are being 'routinely ripped off' by unfair
private delivery charges because of where they live.
CAS reports that people living in some remote and rural areas are
paying £18.60 more than other UK citizens to have goods bought
online sent to their homes.
The investigation found that 335 of 534 retailers charged more for delivery to certain parts of the country.
Scottish consumers also reported long delivery delays.
Some companies refused to deliver goods at all to some remote post codes.
Billy Hayes, CWU general secretary, said: "This research confirms our fears that if Royal Mail is privatised the service will be worse and more expensive - especially outside big cities.
"It is vital that we own the postal service collectively and insist that it sticks to the universal service obligation - which guarantees regular delivery, at the same price, to everywhere in the UK.
"I urge people in Scotland to lobby politicians against the sell-off of Royal Mail."
See the Citizens Advice Scotland report: The Postcode Penalty
