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The MP for Huntingdon Ben Obese-Jecty told this newspaper he had received “multiple letters” from locals in the PE28 postcode area concerned about delays and upcoming payments.
It comes after delays to post were reported across the district, with households in Huntingdon, Kimbolton, Upwood and Earith affected.
Mr Obese-Jecty added that he had recently been contacted by a “huge number” of constituents experiencing delays to mail deliveries.
Huntingdonshire District Council said it was aware that some residents “may not have received their council tax bills for this year”.
A spokesperson confirmed the delays were a “result of postage delays” and said the district council would amend direct debits for residents concerned about upcoming payments.
They added: “Due to the high volumes involved in processing, all bills for council taxpayers with instalment dates on the 1st of the month were printed and dispatched by our printers on 14 March 2025.
“This was to ensure there was sufficient time for postage and that residents received the appropriate notice period ahead of their payment due date.
“For those paying by direct debit, we offer two payment dates each month – the 1st and the 15th.
“If any residents have not yet received their bill and are concerned about upcoming payments, we are happy to amend their direct debit to the 15th of the month to allow additional time.”
In a letter addressed to Mr Obese-Jecty on March 14, senior public affairs manager at Royal Mail Michael Hogg said a “revised delivery round” combined with “high staff sickness” have impacted mail deliveries.
He said: “I would like to reassure that we are working hard to further improve the service over the coming weeks which will enable us to deliver more consistently six days a week to all addresses served by Huntingdon Delivery Office.
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Mr Obese-Jecty added: “These delays are not acceptable and have seen people miss hospital appointment appointments and not receive their council tax bills.
“I will be visiting the delivery office to discuss the cause of these delays with management and understand what action Royal Mail will need to take in order to resolve them and restore confidence in a postal service people desperately need to be able rely upon.”
A spokesperson for Royal Mail said: “Recent high levels of sick absence at the local delivery office has had some impact on deliveries, causing minor delays.
“We would reassure residents that mail continues to be delivered daily, with any items not arriving on time being prioritised the following day. We are working to further improve our service and ensure mail arrives consistently six days a week, as expected.”
Anyone who requires assistance or would like to make changes to their payment date, should contact the Council Tax office directly on 01480 388030.
Have you got a story you want to share? Get in touch at oliver.murphy@newsquest.co.uk or newsdesk@huntspost.co.uk
