Online shoppers in Stirling are being ripped off by delivery companies charging extra to deliver to the region.  

A report by the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) found Scots were being left out of pocket to the tune of millions of pounds, with people in Stirling being charged an extra £392,000 in total on top of what they had already bought.  

Across Scotland, more than £43.1million extra is spent by online shoppers on delivery charges – an increase of £6.7m in the past three years.  

The charges have created a postcode lottery for many, with rural communities often charged more than other areas.  

Alyn Smith MP said:

‘It’s extremely disappointing that people in Stirling are having to fork out more than others in Scotland just because of where they live.  

‘Now, more than ever, delivery charges across the UK should be fair and transparent, and people should have the information they need to make informed choices.’

Stirling Councillor Evelyn Tweed said:

‘During the Covid-19 pandemic many of us have relied on online shopping in one way or another and we should not have to be punished purely on postcode alone – it will really hit hard-working families this Christmas.

‘Rural households especially will know from bitter experience the additional burden of these unfair delivery charges – people shouldn’t have to pay a premium for the same goods and deliveries.’

Notes

Full report with local stats can be found here.