UK Tory Government 'Found Out' on Delivery Charges

Documents have revealed a senior politician was previously warned about the huge costs facing people across Scotland from delivery charges.

It comes after Margot James last month denied in the commons that she had any correspondence on the issue from the Scottish Government prior to a debate put forward by Tory MP Douglas Ross.

In December, a debate was secured in the Commons following a year-long campaign by Moray MSP Richard Lochhead.

During the debate, Douglas Ross asked for confirmation on what contact her department had with the SNP Scottish Government on the issue of delivery charges.

Ms James responded:

“I am not aware of any contact. My office has not had any, but I will find out whether any other offices in my Department have had any contact and write to my hon. Friend with the answer.”

But the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy was contacted in December 2016 by the Scottish Government Minister Paul Wheelhouse.

In the letter he said:

“I welcome the engagement of the UK Government on this issue and its recent work on producing a leaflet outlining retailers’ responsibilities.

However, as the regulation for prices of parcels is reserved to Westminster, and many retailers are based outside Scotland, I believe that the UK Government needs to take further measures to improve the situation.”

And in a response in January last year by Ms James, she thanked the Minister for bringing the issue to her “attention”.

She added:

“Regulating prices or intervening in how businesses establish their pricing structures would not be in consumers’ best interests.

“These are commercial interests and should be left to the market. For these reasons, I do not believe more legislation is necessary.

“We will work with the consumer advice agencies on promoting the messages in the leaflet, to make sure retailers are aware of and fulfil their responsibilities.”

The debate at Westminster last month took place after work by Drew Hendry MP and Richard Lochhead MSP to drive the issue forward.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

“I am pleased to see the issue of delivery charges being brought to the attention of Westminster.

“But I am disappointed by the woeful attempt of Mr Ross and his Conservative colleagues to try and bring into dispute the hard work which has been going on for too long by my SNP colleagues both at Holyrood and Westminster.

“It is the UK Government who have the power to make the changes to delivery charges and they must do so now, rather than using the issue as a political football.

“Margot James has been left red-faced by her denial of any communication from the Scottish Government.

“Many people in my constituency of Banffshire and Buchan Coast and all over Scotland, are currently facing extortionate delivery charges based on where they live.

“Consumers are being classed as living in the Highlands and are often forced to pay more than the cost of the item itself simply to have it delivered.

“It must end now.”

MSP Calls for Constituents to Give Views on Loneliness Strategy

A consultation has been launched looking at the causes of social isolation and loneliness and how they can be addressed.

Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson is calling on his constituents to contribute to the work which will feed into a new national strategy.

It is one of the first in the world to combat loneliness and isolation.

A national strategy to combat loneliness was a key ask of the Jo Cox Commission, which welcomed this announcement.

And views are also being sought on how communities can build on the work of the Scottish Government, and lead on ensuring those at risk of becoming lonely or isolate have access to the right support networks.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson said:

“It’s important that voices from across the North-East get involved in the Scottish Government’s consultation to help shape the new loneliness and isolation strategy, especially since each and every one of us has a role to play in reducing loneliness in Scotland.

“Dealing with loneliness and isolation can be incredibly difficult, and by reaching out to our neighbours or anyone we think may be at risk of becoming isolated or lonely – by taking them out, doing a good deed or simply having a chat – we can all have a hugely positive impact.

“Young or old - loneliness doesn’t discriminate and it is linked to both poor physical and mental health, and can have wide-ranging consequences on so many aspects of our lives.

“The SNP Government will be the first country in the UK and one of the first in the world to develop a national strategy to address loneliness and isolation, but this strategy needs our communities and society to lead the way in ensuring those at risk of loneliness get the support they need. I would encourage as many people as possible in the North-East to have a say on this very important issue by contributing to the consultation.”

NHS Grampian waiting times improve even as flu rate rises

NHS Grampian waiting times have improved on the previous week despite growing pressures from the effect of the rising flu rate and added demand.

In the week ending January 7th, the flu rate doubled and 77.9% of people were treated in Scottish A&Es within four hours.

In the North-East, the percentage of people seen within the same time frame was 89.1%, a rise from 87.9% the week previously.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

“Despite increased pressures from the number of flu cases and additional Winter pressures, NHS Grampian has managed to increase the number of patients seen within four hours of visiting A&E.

“The work of all health and social care staff who are delivering such fantastic patient care in this tough period is commendable.

“Emergency departments are continuing to feel the effects of the steep rise in flu cases and we must continue to remain vigilant to ensure people are getting seen to in a time appropriate manner.”