Post Office response to proposed changes to postal service announced by Ofcom

Commenting on proposed changes to the postal service announced by Ofcom today (30 January), a Post Office spokesperson said:

“We acknowledge that the change in business and consumer behaviour with less letters being sent, is driving the need for reform of the Universal Postal Service. However, the changes proposed in Ofcom’s consultation significantly reduce Royal Mail’s performance obligations for first and second class letters and do not address the issue of affordability for consumers and small businesses for the six-days a week first class service.

“The UK is the only country in the world where the postal delivery arm is operated by a separate company from the physical retail shop. The proposals announced today put more pressure on Postmasters who are are already facing tough trading conditions beyond their control - these measures will likely accelerate the decline in letter volumes and income for postmasters.

“We believe it is now even more critical that we accelerate the transformation of the Post Office - delivering our ‘New Deal for Postmasters’ and, further, that the outcome of the Government’s forthcoming Green Paper clearly ensures a viable, sustainable, future for Postmasters, so that they can continue to serve their communities.”