Scottish Independence ‘perfect storm’ scenario could increase costs for residents and taxes on business, warns a new ParcelHero report

A new  report issued by international couriers ParcelHero -  based on its experience trading with countries inside and outside the European Union - warns of a potential ‘perfect storm’ if Scotland votes ‘Yes’ but fails to gain European Union membership and retain the pound.

A new report issued by international couriers ParcelHero - based on its experience trading with countries inside and outside the European Union - warns of a potential ‘perfect storm’ if Scotland votes ‘Yes’ but fails to gain European Union membership and retain the pound.

The White Paper ‘What happens to Scotland’s trade borders if it votes ‘Yes’ to Independence’ details how the consequences of a newly Independent Scotland failing in its bid to join the EU and retain the pound could result in:

• The impositions of Customs charges, excise duty and import VAT

• The cost of postal and courier delivery increasing by over 15%

• New currency exchange costs for business and visitors

The White Paper examines a number of issues and challenges facing a newly independent Scotland.

These include:

• The full cost of its declared policy of re-nationalising the Royal Mail in Scotland

• ‘Spiralling’ postal charges should the Government be unable to subsidise charges to the remote Highlands and Islands

• Increased bureaucracy and possible extra duties and taxes

• A resulting burden on Scotland’s Customs and Excise departments leading to a backlog of trade

• The cost of staple imported goods rising by 35% or more if Scotland is excluded from the EU and adopts non-EU member Norway’s tax model

ParcelHero founder and MD Roger Sumner-Rivers says:

‘ParcelHero is entirely neutral on the subject of Scottish Independence; however right now there is a clear impasse: the UK government states Scotland will likely not be able to adopt the Pound Sterling, and the EU have stated there are absolutely no assurances Scotland will be guaranteed EU membership. In this ‘perfect storm’ scenario, we foresee significant issues with the cost of goods and services, along with customs and taxes, which could impact on Scottish citizens and those businesses wishing to deliver into Scotland.’

Roger continues: ‘Should the vote be a ‘Yes’ on September 18th, the European Union and the UK must immediately engage with the Scottish Government to ensure costs do not spiral for businesses or Scotland’s rural communities.’

Read the full report at http://news.parcelhero.com/parcel-talk/scottish-yes-vote-could-increase-costs-for-residents-and-business-warns-parcelhero/

ENDS

Roger Sumner-Rivers, founder and MD of ParcelHero.com, is available for further expert comment. Contact David Jinks on 0208 7584962 to arrange an interview.

For more information please contact David Jinks, Head of PR, on david@parcelhero.com or by phone on 0208 7584962 (07772 055748 out of office hours)

Leading international online courier ParcelHero strategically partners with the world's leading, logistics companies, including DHL, UPS and DPD to provide a flexible, cost-effective range of parcel delivery services to over 220 countries worldwide. Huge bulk purchasing power allows ParcelHero to offer highly competitive pricing with no compromise in service quality. 

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