FSB gets Highlands and Islands Royal Mail cost assurance

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."