DELIVERY TO RURAL AREAS

That this House notes that people living in rural areas of the UK, in particular areas such as the Highlands and Islands, are regularly asked to pay significant surcharges for the delivery of goods ordered over the internet; is concerned that, despite regulations set out in the Provision of Services Regulations 2009 and Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013, such charges often cannot be duly justified by objective reasons and as a result consumers in the Highlands and Islands and other rural areas are being unfairly discriminated against by some online sellers due to their place of residence; and supports calls for retailers to end excessive delivery surcharges and to offer delivery by Royal Mail when this is the cheaper option.