A pricing map has been set up online where you can check out the delivery charges for different sizes of parcels. It covers the amount 6 companies will charge.

This free resource is easy to use. Just type in your postcode and select the size of parcel. The different charges for each company will be displayed.

Link: Scottish Parcel Delivery Charges

It covers the service provided by: DPD, Menzies, MyHermes, Parcelforce,TNT and UPS

Derek Mitchell,  Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) said:

“Higher prices and a lack of transparency on pricing policies are all too common. CAS welcomes the website and publications launched today by Scottish Government and hopes that they are useful for consumers. Rural communities deserve a fair deal and CAS will continue to work with the Scottish Government to fight for their interests and to seek practical solutions.”

The website is part of the Scottish Government’s action on unfair delivery charges.  The power over the delivery of parcels is reserved to the UK Parliament in Westminster. In many parts of Scotland customers and businesses pay an excessive amount of extra postage for the delivery of parcels. Often the delivery charge is more than the cost of the actual product ordered.

Jamie Hepburn, Business Minister , in the Scottish Government  said:

“This website shines a spotlight on delivery charges, making it easier for everyone … to find the best deal and encourage companies to review their pricing.

“Our research for this new resource uncovered shocking stories of unfair charges, from a resident of Mull facing a £230 delivery charge for a television to someone in Moray asked to pay an additional £50 for the delivery of a mobility scooter despite the website advertising free delivery across the UK.

“We found that people living in the Highlands and Islands face 21% higher postal charges on average compared to South Western Scotland.

“If you live in the Outer Hebrides, Shetland or Orkney, you’ll face average surcharges of at least 25% compared to Glasgow and have virtually no access to home delivery.

“The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has seen a dramatic increase in online shopping, with the delivery sector providing a lifeline.

“Now, more than ever, it is vital that delivery charges are fair and transparent and people have access to the information they need to make informed choices.”

Privatisation of the Royal Mail

The first sale of Royal Mail started in October 2013, during the LibDem/Conservative Government. The shares were priced at £3.30 each – total proceeds of the first sale were £1,980 million.

When markets opened following the sale, Royal Mail shares were valued at £4.50. Since then the share price has mostly ranged between about £4 and £6.

The sales of the remaining part started in June 2015.

The final sale was completed in October 2015.

Half of the remaining 30% of government owned shares after the first sale was sold on 10 June 2015 for a price of £5.00 a share, generating £750m with the second half sold on 13 October 2015 at a price of £4.55 a share, generating £591m.

The government has said that this money will be used to reduce the national debt. The final sale also included a provision for 2% to go to Royal Mail employees.

The total proceeds of privatisation has come to £3.3bn. (House of Commons Library)

Separating Royal Mail from the Post Office network was seen as an important element of the privatisation. Post Office Ltd is now a separate business and is being retained in the public sector. Privatisation of the Royal Mail report

The Communication Workers Union commented :

The CWU postal workers’ union opposes the sale and said it would “continue to campaign against unfair competition and the race to the bottom, which privatisation inevitably brings.”

You can read a full report on the privatisation and the undervaluing of the shares by the government here: Privatisation of the Royal Mail

Reporter: Fiona Grahame