McArthur reacts to Consumer Scotland report on island postal services

Reacting to the Consumer Scotland report on island postal services, Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur has today called for renewed engagement with affected communities to improve reliability and transparency of the service.

The research carried out by Consumer Scotland found that participants in Orkney had encountered longer delivery times as well as unpredictable delivery surcharges as high as £50.

The report also noted that island customers face reduced retailer and parcel operator choice as well as lower quality of service standards.

Commenting, Mr McArthur said:

“The Consumer Scotland report is a welcome intervention which confirms what islanders know to be true of postal services in Orkney.

“Those living in our island communities recognise the additional logistical challenges. Too often though, islanders are facing excessive and unexplained delays, unacceptable surcharges and a lack of clear information about postal deliveries.

“Islanders have a right to expect a reliable and transparent postal delivery service. The UK and Scottish Governments, along with Royal Mail, the Post Office and Ofcom, must now address Consumer Scotland’s recommendation to engage with island communities to develop key service delivery standards that ensure fair and equitable access for our islands.”