MSP demands action on up to £1.6m in lost holiday refunds

Strathkelvin and Bearsden SNP MSP Rona Mackay has demanded action after a survey by a consumer watchdog.

Which? revealed more than 7,500 people across the UK had a package holiday 
cancelled as a result of the pandemic.

Ms Mackay said customers across the UK as a whole are waiting on more than 
£1 billion in refunds.

She added that broken down amongst the population, this suggested holidaymakers in the local area could be owed more than £1.6 million.

Holiday companies are 
required to refund money within 14 days but the huge number of cancellations has left many overwhelmed.

The research also found that the average cost of a cancelled holiday was £1,784.

During the summer, the Competition and Markets Authority launched an 
investigation into package travel companies’ handling 
of cancellations and 
refunds.

Ms Mackay said: “For many people, this saga has rumbled on far too long – it’s time for the UK government and the market regulator to get a hold of this situation.

“Times are tough financially for many local families, and while I appreciate holiday companies were inundated with refund requests earlier in the year, we are now in 
November.

“We aren’t talking about spare change here – the average cost of a cancelled holiday was £1,784 according to this survey.

“While we all recognise the travel industry’s acute financial difficulties, there can be no excuse for them hoarding the hard-earned cash of their hard-pressed customers.

“As a matter of urgency, the UK government needs to set out how travel companies will be supported financially to fulfil their legal obligations to passengers – and take firm action against those who drag their feet.

“I would urge anyone in Strathkelvin and Bearsden who is still waiting on a refund from March to get in touch with my office.

“I will offer any support I can to make sure you get your money back.”