Dave Thompson MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch has been contacted by several constituents regarding the high prices at Co-op shops in Skye.
Dave has been very concerned by the reports of high grocery prices, and also high fuel prices, despite the Islands Fuel Discount scheme recent introduced.
So he wrote to the OFT and the Chief Executive of the Co-op on 30th March. An acknowledgement from the Co-op was received on 3rd April, and a response (attached) was received from the OFT on 27th April, which was forwarded to Dave’s constituent on the same day.
The OFT is quite rightly using the information as part of their call for evidence on rural communities to enable them to better understand the challenges faced by consumers and businesses in rural areas and to consider the role the OFT can play in mitigating these.
However, despite several follow up letters and telephone calls, no response has yet been received from the Co-op. Dave is actively pursuing a response and is hopeful of receiving one in the very near future.
A spokesperson from his office said, “Dave is on a well earned holiday at the moment, but he has expressed deep disquiet about the high costs for groceries and fuel charged by the Co-op in Skye.
“Despite the modest 5p Island Fuel Discount scheme introduced by the ConDem Government, this discount appears to be getting lost in the supply chain and most of it does not appear to be benefitting the folk and the community that need it.
“Additionally, Grocery costs have been a long standing issue in Skye that has led many to seek a break in the Coop supermarket monopoly on the island.
Dave is keen to help facilitate another supermarket doing this and will consider exploring the idea with the Coops competitors when he returns in a few days.”
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