We’ve teamed up with over 20 other leading charities to write a joint letter to the UK’s biggest supermarkets, urging them to waive online delivery charges for customers who are shielding.
With those who are clinically vulnerable to COVID-19 being asked again by Government to stay at home, many people with MS have no choice but to shop online. This means added delivery charges and minimum spends, significantly increasing the cost of food.
In previous lockdowns, some supermarkets did waive these extra charges. However, as restrictions started to lift, the charges gradually crept back in and have not been removed again even though we have reentered lockdown.
Together with the CEOs of Independent Age, Macmillan, Alzheimer’s Society, Scope, Carers UK and many others, we’re making the plea directly to the CEOs of Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Iceland, Waitrose and Ocado. We say it’s unfair to ask those who are shielding, or at greater risk from COVID-19, to stay at home to protect themselves and the NHS, and yet also to take a financial hit just to access food.
We’re particularly concerned about people at risk who are also on lower incomes, for whom delivery charges or minimum spends represent a disproportionately high cost. For some, this hit puts them in real financial trouble.
We’re not alone
Shoppers of all ages would support supermarkets in this move. Recent Independent Age / YouGov polling shows that 77% of people agree that those who are unable to visit supermarkets due to their age or underlying health conditions should not have to pay online delivery charges. 81% agree that reductions should also be made to minimum spend.
We’ll keep you updated of any changes. In the meantime, you can read the joint letter on unfair costs to safely access food on the Independent Age website here.
