Salmond And Stevenson Express Concern Over Farepak Hampers Collapse

Member of the Scottish Parliament for Banff & Buchan, Stewart Stevenson MSP, and local MP Alex Salmond, have expressed concern for the large numbers of their constituents affected by the collapse of Farepak Hampers.

The Christmas Hamper company went into administration this week leaving the prospect of a bleak Christmas for its thousands of customers. Farepak utilised a scheme whereby customers paid agents money every month towards vouchers or hampers, which the customers expected to receive at the start of the festive season, but this will not now happen and there is little prospect of significant refunds for those affected.

Mr Stevenson said:

“I have been contacted by a number of very distressed constituents who are facing a Christmas period with money difficulties at the forefront of their minds. The people affected by this situation in Banff & Buchan have saved all year to ensure they have a carefree festive period but this will not now be the case.

“Many of those hit the hardest by this situation will be hard-working families on low incomes, who have had their Christmas shattered by this devastating news. I hope that a solution can be found in the run-up to Christmas which will ensure those hit by Farepak’s collapse will have some form of consolation so that they can enjoy the festivities.

“I would urge my constituents, both customers and agents of Farepak, to get in touch with the company in order to put in claims for their losses as soon as possible. Although this matter is unlikely to be resolved in the short term, it is important to push the company to come up with a solution.”

Mr Salmond added:

“The Minister for Trade and Industry noted in Parliament yesterday [Thursday 19th October] that he has already been in discussion with the administrators, BDO Stoy Hayward, and the relevant trade bodies to seek answers on the matter.

“I would urge the Minister to push the issues raised on this matter forcefully with the relevant bodies so that the uncertainty surrounding my constituents’ savings is resolved as soon as possible.

“I hope that a strong investigation by the Minister will proceed immediately in order that Christmas can be looked forward to by those affected. There is no time to waste on this issue and I hope those responsible for this shambles will bear in mind people have worked hard to save for a happy Christmas and they deserve answers.”