ALEXANDER WELCOMES OFFICE OF FAIR TRADING FINDINGS

11-Jun-2012

Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey MP Danny Alexander has welcomed the findings of the Office of Fair Trading's (OFT's) Remote Communities Consultation, released last week.

Focusing on the complete picture, the study aimed to set out all the challenges facing rural communities across the UK.

In a series of consultations around the country, many issues were raised by the public including: high prices in shops; availability and cost of internet access; delivery charges; and fuel prices and public transport.

Highland MP Danny Alexander says:

"At last, we have independent confirmation of the challenges people living in the Highlands face on a daily basis.

"Disproportionate delivery charges in the north of Scotland are a huge concern. Coupled with higher fuel prices and transportation costs, many people are paying over the odds for a reduced service. That's why, over recent months, the UK Government has set out a number of measures in an effort to address the gap - and help families and businesses across the Highlands and Islands.

"Already the Islands have access to the 5p fuel duty, and over the next few years, HIE, with UK Government investment, will be rolling out programmes developing superfast broadband and mobile network coverage across the Highlands.

"Given the findings of the OFT, it is vital that we also keep up the pressure on the SNP government to deliver on their promises to improve transport infrastructure in the Highlands. With the extra funding made available by the UK Government in the Autumn Statement, work on the A9, A82 and A96 should begin sooner rather than later."

ENDS