First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has revealed that a summit will be held next month to draw up fresh plans for action to tackle “unfair and excessive” delivery charges.
Parcel delivery firms, retailers and consumer groups will all be asked to attend the meeting, hosted by Business Minister Paul Wheelhouse.
Ms Sturgeon discussed the move as she reiterated that the practice of charging unfair fees to send packages to northern Scotland “has to end”, and she pledged to press UK ministers again for “serious action”.
And the SNP leader praised the “absolutely sterling work” of Moray MSP Richard Lochhead, who has been campaigning to “scrap the £36million surcharge on Scotland”.
Asked for an update on the issue at first minister’s questions, Ms Sturgeon said: “On June 27, the business minister will host a meeting with parcel delivery companies, retailers, consumer groups and others to discuss what further action we can take.
“I assure Richard Lochhead that we will continue to do everything that we can, but I remind members that the regulation of prices for parcel deliveries is reserved to Westminster.
“It is time that the UK Government also took serious action to address the issue.”
She added: “I thank Richard Lochhead, who has done absolutely sterling work on the issue. He has raised awareness at a government level and has contributed to some of the actions that are now being taken to address it.
“The practice has to end, and we, in the Scottish Government, are determined that we will play our part in ensuring that that happens.
“I assure Richard Lochhead that we will again take the matter up with the UK Government, because meaningful change will happen only if the government that holds the main levers and responsibilities takes a far more active role.
“We have made many representations in the past, and we will continue to do so.”
Mr Lochhead welcomed the proposed summit, and said the case for regulation was “getting stronger and stronger”.
A BEIS spokeswoman said: “The Royal Mail provides a universal service at a uniform price throughout the United Kingdom. Businesses should set clear and upfront delivery charges so customers can shop elsewhere if charges are excessive.
“The government is also working with consumer groups to see what more can be done to protect remote communities from unfair charges.”
