Strath MP says Royal Mail service changes must not have impact on rural communities

Rural communities and pensioners must not be impacted by proposed changes to Royal Mail’s Universal Service Obligations, local MP Graham Leadbitter has said.

The SNP strath politician and Moray MSP Richard Lochhead ahve sought assurances over the future of the crucial service from Ofcom. that the proposed service changes.

These range from scrapping delivery days to cutting delivery targets and there are fears the North could be hit the most given its location and lack of competition.

The industry regulator has proposed only delivering second class post every other weekday, scrapping second class deliveries entirely on Saturdays, and has suggested reducing Royal Mail’s next-day delivery target for first-class post from 93% to 90%.

Mr Leadbitter MP said: “Rural communities, particularly ones here in the North of Scotland, have to contend with far more challenges in receiving mail and deliveries than those in other parts of Scotland.

“That’s not the fault of local posties who consistently show themselves to be community champions but because of a range of factors including our geography and unique needs.

“Any changes whatsoever to Royal Mail’s service obligations will understandably raise alarm for people living here. It’s crucial this area must not be forgotten about or cast aside.”

Mr Lochhead said: “Rural communities in Moray rely heavily on Royal Mail’s services and any changes to the universal service obligation must take into account the disproportionate impact on rural areas like ours.

“In recent years there have been issues with delayed deliveries – through no fault of the hardworking local posties – and this has caused problems for residents at times.

“Rural communities do need reassurances that they will continue to receive a good service should changes to deliveries days go ahead.

“As always, these changes will likely impact the elderly and more vulnerable households more and that must be given serious consideration by Ofcom.”

Find out more on the proposed changes to the Royal Mail delivery service here

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