FSB gets Highlands and Islands Royal Mail cost assurance

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-h ... s-16930360" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Royal Mail services will not be charged differently in the Highlands and Islands as to the rest of the UK, a business organisation has said.

The Federation for Small Businesses (FSB) said it had received the assurance from regulator Ofcom.

FSB members had been worried costs, and Royal Mail's universal service obligation, were poised to change for the Highlands and Islands.

FSB's David Richardson said delivery costs were crucial to north firms.

The federation had surveyed businesses in the Highlands and Islands on the charging for the delivery of goods.

He said: "We are delighted to report that further discussions with Ofcom have assured us that the universal service obligation remains for basically all Royal Mail services that our members and other businesses would want to use.

"If you are operating in the Highlands and Islands, particularly in the islands, transport costs are a key part of your costs."

[DGP1]

Why is the Russian security services getting involved in Scotland

[stokes11eg]

Why is the Russian security services getting involved in Scotland

[NWpostie]

Не задавайте слишком много вопросов, мы знаем, где Вы живете товарищ

[stokes11eg]

Не задавайте слишком много вопросов, мы знаем, где Вы живете товарищ

OK ! I can use google translate too. LOL. Silence from me!

[DGP1]

Не задавайте слишком много вопросов, мы знаем, где Вы живете товарищ

OK ! I can use google translate too. LOL. Silence from me!

I personally use Babel Fish................

[NWpostie]

Wonder how post Independence Scottish Postal service will perform, if they do go independent.

[brothermagrew]

Why is the Russian security services getting involved in Scotland

Although highly unlikely it might have something to do with us sharing the same patron saint.

[DGP1]

Why is the Russian security services getting involved in Scotland

Although highly unlikely it might have something to do with us sharing the same patron saint.

St Alex of Salmond

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Wonder how post Independence Scottish Postal service will perform, if they do go independent.

Well with a similar population as Norway (both around 5 million) but a higher density (65.6 /km2 as against 12.5/km2 - They should be okay.

[brothermagrew]

Wonder how post Independence Scottish Postal service will perform, if they do go independent.

Scottish Parliament

Motion S4M-01286: Kenneth Gibson, Cunninghame North, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 09/11/2011
Save the Universal Service Obligation
That the Parliament is concerned by Ofcom's recent comments suggesting that the Royal Mail’s universal service obligation (USO) is at risk and cannot be sustained; is alarmed at Ofcom's proposal to allow the Royal Mail the freedom to set the majority of its prices; considers that such changes would create a two-tier postal service and that it could result in rural deliveries being made only three times a week, impacting negatively on businesses and communities in some of the more remote areas of Scotland; is of the view that, in order to maintain a high quality postal service for all parts of the UK, the USO must be maintained, and believes that the Parliament should have control over Scotland’s postal services.

Current Status: Fallen on 26/01/2012

Motion S4M-01286.1: Tavish Scott, Shetland Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 10/11/2011
Save the Universal Service Obligation
As an amendment to motion S4M-01286 in the name of Kenneth Gibson (Save the Universal Service Obligation), leave out from "is concerned" to end and insert “notes that the Royal Mail’s universal service obligation has been enshrined in the Postal Services Act 2011; welcomes the security that it understands this proposal brings to people in all parts of the UK by making it certain that they will pay the same amount for postage anywhere in the UK and receive delivery of mail on six days a week; notes that SNP MPs opposed this legislation in the House of Commons at the third reading, and further notes that Ofcom is consulting on proposals to make sure that the Royal Mail is able to manage this obligation, protect vulnerable customers and respond to falling volumes of posted items due to the growth of email traffic.”

[Lounge Lizard]

Wonder how post Independence Scottish Postal service will perform, if they do go independent.

Well with a similar population as Norway (both around 5 million) but a higher density (65.6 /km2 as against 12.5/km2 - They should be okay.

Population and density doesn't prove anything. What if, exagerating somewhat, (a) 90% of Norways population lives in cities and 90% of Scotlands lives in the Highlands and Islands, (b) Norwegians, allegedly not having such short arms and deep pockets, post ten times as many letters each as Scots and (c) Norway has a proud history of subsiding essential public services like the postal network ?