Moray SNP News

LOCHHEAD SECURES DELIVERY CHARGES VICTORY

Moray’s MSP has described a change in delivery charges policy from Lloyds Pharmacy as a victory for fairness.

The company has confirmed that following a review of their policy all customers in Scotland – including those with AB and IV postcodes – will now be eligible for free delivery.  The review of their postal charges policy was carried out after Richard Lochhead challenged them on their unfair treatment of customers in the north of Scotland after it emerged they had tried to charge a couple in Keith £50 for delivery of a mobility scooter, despite advertising free UK delivery.  The couple faced this charge due to them having an AB postcode.

Mr Lochhead has welcomed this breakthrough and has urged other businesses to follow Lloyds example, calling on them to put an end to excessive and discriminatory delivery charges. 

The MSP, who also succeeded in persuading Halfords to change their policy after they tried to charge a customer in Speyside £50 for delivery of towels worth £5.99, has secured a debate in the Scottish Parliament on this important issue.  He has also written to the UK Government urging them to consider introducing legislation to regulate these practices to put an end to these discriminatory practices once and for all.

Welcoming Lloyd’s announcement, Mr Lochhead said:

“After I wrote to the Managing Director of Lloyds Pharmacy, they committed to reviewing their delivery charges policy.  The fact that the review has led to them introducing free delivery to all customers in Scotland really is a victory for fairness.

“That Lloyds Pharmacy will now treat customers with AB and IV postcodes equally is a breakthrough for Moray and I would urge all companies to review their policies to ensure that they aren’t ripping folk in the north of Scotland off.

“Unfair delivery charges are a huge issue in Moray, and something that the vast majority of us have frustratingly experienced, which is why I will be leading a debate in the Scottish Parliament on the issue.  Constituents can be assured that I will continue to put pressure on companies to stop ripping off folk in the North of Scotland and if they have cases they’d like me to look at then I’d encourage them to get in touch.”