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Paul Collins, Lib Dem councillor for Eastwood Park, revealed numerous residents have raised concerns over not receiving post on time or at all.
He says some of the concerned residents are suffering from cancer and other serious health problems, who rely on NHS letters to keep them informed about upcoming appointments and diagnoses.
Royal Mail responded by stating letters are “delivered reliably” across Southend, and insist it keeps residents updated about delays on its website.
Mr Collins, who is also cabinet member for finance and assets, said: “There are vulnerable people who have medical needs and people are very worried about their family members. It is dangerous and not good enough. This is very serious.
“Not getting Christmas cards is disappointing but it’s another thing for people waiting for letters about hospital appointments and results. It is a real problem.
“It’s frustrating because there are people with serious illnesses and they are being negatively affected by not receiving Royal Mail post. There seems to be back log of letters that Royal Mail need to deliver.”
Mr Collins worries about older residents who are not tech savvy and unable to use apps for health updates such as biopsy outcomes and follow-up tests.
“People are sometimes forced to go to the hospital to get their results which adds stress, all because Royal Mail haven’t delivered their post,” he added.
“I think Royal Mail deliveries are down for the whole of Southend. It is an issue that affects many people. A lot of people come to me for support.
“Some people don’t even have mobile phones so it’s a difficult situation for them. I am very concerned.”
The issue comes as Royal Mail bosses were called to Parliament to answer questions over their letter delivery service.
“I am glad the government has stepped up,” Mr Collins said.
“Me and my family don’t rely on letters but there are many people who do not know how to use apps for results, surgeries and appointments. Some do not have the capability to do that.”
Responding, a Royal Mail spokesperson said: “The vast majority of mail is delivered reliably across Southend every day, with posties out on their routes as usual.
“We understand how important it is that letters as expected, particularly for customers awaiting medical information or exam results, and we take any reports of issues seriously.
“Where there are short-term, localised delays, we proactively list the affected postcode areas on our Service Update page to keep customers informed. Southend is not currently listed, and the page is reviewed and updated daily as conditions change.”
