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A debate called by Northumberland MP Ian Lavery saw dozens of MPs hit out at Royal Mail
A health condition that became life-threatening; an application to join the Navy that was lost; and Christmas cards arriving in March were all examples given by MPs about the shocking state of mail deliveries around the UK in recent weeks.
In a debate called by Blyth and Ashington MP Ian Lavery, several MPs alleged that Royal Mail is prioritising parcels, contributing to the late delivery of letters and leading to some customers missing important information. A number of North East MPs highlighted serious issues that had been caused by late delivery of letters.
Mr Lavery said: “In my constituency, these failures have led to people missing medical appointments and having financial issues, and to the hindering of democratic participation. One of my constituents missed urgent medical correspondence, turning a routine appointment into a potentially life-threatening emergency. It is not acceptable.
“This is happening up and down the country in every single constituency. Allegations from within Royal Mail suggest that these failures may be intentional, designed to pressure the Government into weakening or removing the USO (universal service obligation) requirements. Royal Mail’s recent letter to the Business and Trade Committee denies operating parcels-first policy, contradicting repeated internal testimony. It flies in the face of local evidence from the workforce. The letter also reiterates calls for USO reform, reflecting a long-running corporate direction.
“Over the past few years postal workers – key public servants, who were heroes during Covid – have seen their terms and conditions eroded to the point that some can no longer buy additional holiday because doing so would take their pay below the minimum wage.
“The Government need to take serious action against Royal Mail. Is it not an option to bring Royal Mail back under public control?”
MPs from around the North, and across the political spectrum, highlighted problems with constituents’ deliveries. Blaydon and Consett MP Liz Twist said “we really need some action” while Lola McEvoy, the MP for Darlington, said one of her constituents got compensation from Royal Mail for a late delivery, only for the cheque to bounce.
In a letter published this week by the Commons Business and Trade Committee, Royal Mail chief executive Alistair Cochrane said the organisation does not “operate a general policy of prioritising parcel deliveries over letters”.
He said delivering parcels before letters was only prioritised during busy periods like Christmas to avoid them overcrowding delivery offices, but admitted the company does not keep specific data on the number of letters de-prioritised for parcels during these periods.
Business Minister Blair McDougall said: “On the issue of the prioritisation of parcels, Ofcom had examined this a few years ago and had found that there wasn’t evidence of it as a policy centrally.
“But I’ve heard from so many members stories about the prioritisation of parcels, and so it’s something I intend to raise with Ofcom.”
A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “We always try to ensure that all mail – letters and parcels – is delivered on time. Recent quality of service figures show 92% of letters are delivered on time which equates to 5.8bn letters a year.
“We recognise there is more to do to deliver a consistently high level of service everywhere. Attending the Business and Trade Committee will give us the opportunity to discuss the work we are doing to transform Royal Mail and the urgent need to implement changes to the Universal Service to deliver the services our customers want and ensure we are financially sustainable for the long term.”
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