Highland Council leads nationwide challenge on Internet Delivery Charges

15th August 2013

The Highland Council’s Trading Standards is at the leading edge of challenging companies on Internet Delivery Charges, members of the Council’s Transport, Environmental and Community Services were today informed.

Councillor Graham Phillips, Chairman of the Council’s TEC Services Committee has welcomed a report to members by Highland Trading Standards on a project about Internet Delivery Charges, he said:

“The work that our Trading Standards Team has done over the past year and half is at the cutting edge of Internet retail investigation and was recently highly revered at Cosla. It has had a significant influence on our partners both at Scottish Government and Consumer Futures. The benefit to consumers has been very significant and in some case has seen the removal of surcharges on delivery charges.”

Members noted the completion of the Internet Delivery Charges project which included extensive discussions with a wide range of businesses from large multi-nationals to small micro-businesses. In addition to bringing these businesses into compliance with the law, the investigations undertaken has also provided an invaluable insight into the issues, including the behaviour of some carriers, which has helped to inform the discussions now going on at a national level.

Members also agreed that Highland Trading Standards Officers will:
· lead a consortium of North of Scotland local authorities towards a conclusion of the enforcement activity generated from Citizens Advice Scotland data;
· participate in the formation of a national Code of Conduct for internet delivery charges;
· pursue the consideration of establishing a viable Code of Conduct based approval scheme; and
· engage with a range of partners to publicise and promote fair delivery charges to Highland buyers.

Leader of The Highland Council, Councillor Drew Hendry added: “Internet delivery charges remain a significant issue for the people of the Highlands and Islands. I am delighted that the work of Highland Trading Standards is continuing to challenge companies. Their efforts have made a difference with a number of businesses being shown up for their extra charges. I would urge Highland and our partners to keep up the good work, apply more pressure as it is making a difference.”