Royal Mail’s six-day delivery service must continue, says business minister

The postal service put forward proposals in April that would see a reduction in second-class letter deliveries

A business minister has said that Royal Mail’s six-day delivery service must be maintained, amid plans by the postal service to reduce deliveries.

Royal Mail made proposals in April to significantly cut back on second-class letter deliveries. Regulator Ofcom is currently reviewing the proposed reforms, which are not anticipated to affect first-class mail.

Conservative former minister David Mundell raised concerns in the Commons on Thursday about the potential negative impact of a service reduction on elderly residents in rural areas. He said: “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? “.

Business minister Kevin Hollinrake responded: “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 spokesperson for Royal Mail 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.”