Royal Mail urged to abandon plans to reduce second-class letter deliveries

A Business Minister has said that the Royal Mail’s six day delivery service has to continue, which comes after the postal service have made proposals to reduce the second-class letter deliveries.

The postal regulator Ofcom are in discussions with Royal Mail over the proposals that will not affect the first-class deliveries.

Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake told the House of Commons on Thursday that he is urging Royal Mail to halt their plans to reduce the second-class letter service.

Echoing the call, Tory former minister David Mundell said that reducing the service will have a negative affect on elderly people who live in rural locations across the UK.

Mundell said, “Are ministers as concerned as I am about continued reports that Royal Mail are determined to move away from a six-day service?

“In a large rural constituency like mine, with an older population, people continue to rely on the Royal Mail for important communications.

“So can the minister make clear that this is not the direction of travel that the Government wants to see Royal Mail going?”

Hollinrake replied to Mundell saying, “We absolutely agree with his point. We have been very clear with Royal Mail, and indeed with Ofcom, the regulator, that we want to see a continued six-day service.

“And the Royal Mail, and hopefully Ofcom, will have heard what he’s said today and what we have said today – the six-day service must continue.”

A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “Our proposal for the future Universal Service retains a six-day service for First Class letters. Furthermore, parcels would continue to be delivered up to seven-days-a-week.

“The proposal is based on listening to thousands of people across the country to ensure it meets their needs. It is good for our customers, good for our people and would allow Royal Mail to invest in products and services that the UK wants.”