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<p>On 31 July this year the UK Statement of Principles on Parcel Deliveries, developed
through collaboration between Citizens Advice and the British Retail Consortium, was
published. The Principles set out best practice for businesses, such as parcel delivery
firms, on how they can ensure fair delivery prices, consumers can obtain delivery
cost information upfront and get clear directions to the terms and conditions. This
will help consumers to be better informed about online retailers’ pricing policies
in particular with regard to delivering to consumers in remote communities. The Statement
of Principles is available on the Citizens Advice website: <a href="http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/scotland/news/whats_new_sep14_statement_of_principles_for_parcel_deliveries_now_covers_the_uk.htm"
target="_blank">http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/scotland/news/whats_new_sep14_statement_of_principles_for_parcel_deliveries_now_covers_the_uk.htm</a>.</p><p>
</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>If a consumer has a problem with a parcel delivery firm they
can contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 08454 04 05 06 or through their
website (<a href="https://www.adviceguide.org.uk/" target="_blank">https://www.adviceguide.org.uk</a>)
which offers a free service on how consumers can proceed with their complaints.</p><p>
</p><p>Currently, Citizens Advice is giving Christmas shopping tips, with guidance
on what consumers can do if they suffer delivery problems when buying Christmas gifts.
This advice can be found on their website: <a href="http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/news/whats_new_dec14_christmas_shopping_tips.htm"
target="_blank">http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/news/whats_new_dec14_christmas_shopping_tips.htm</a>.</p><p>
</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>In addition, the Consumer Rights Bill which is currently before
Parliament, will clarify and enhance consumer rights and remedies when contracting
with traders for the provision of services, such as parcel delivery firms. This will
make it clear for the first time that if traders breach the rights set out in the
Bill, the trader is required to re-perform the service to bring it up to scratch or
failing that offers a reduction in price. We have been working closely with consumer
groups, including Citizens Advice, to develop an effective publicity campaign, including
the use of social media to raise consumers’ awareness of these new rights. The Citizens
Advice website will be updated by 1 <strong>October 2015</strong> when the Bill is
anticipated to come into force.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>
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