McMILLAN SLAMS ZONAL POSTAL CHARGING PLANS

Stuart McMillan, MSP for the West of Scotland, has raised concerns about the proposals for applying a surcharge on the delivery of mail in remote and rural areas.

Stuart has commented following discussions with colleagues who have rasied the issue in the House of Commons.

“We already have a situation where it is more expensive to post parcels to many rural and island areas. This is wholly unreasonable and discriminatory to both customers and businesses in rural areas of the West of Scotland".

“I am deeply concerned about the recent proposals by the Royal Mail to charge different prices for business mail depending on where in the U.K their mail is being delivered. The proposals would mean that low population rural areas pay 4.8% more compared to 4.9% less in high density business districts. This would mean it would be more costly to post to rural and remote areas of Scotland".

“These proposals strike at the very heart of the Universal Service Obligation. If granted by Postcomm then I fear that ordinary people across the West of Scotland, particularly in coastal areas and other rural areas will suffer. I am also particularly worried that if these plans are introduced then it could pave the way for future attempts to undermine and eventually destroy the Universal Service Obligation.”