Royal Mail has received approval to discontinue Saturday deliveries for second class post starting on July 28, marking a significant change in postal services. Additionally, second class post will now only be delivered on alternate weekdays. Despite the reduced service, Ofcom, the communications regulator, has stated that there will still be a target for second class letters to reach recipients within three working days.
Ofcom had initially proposed reducing the frequency of second class post deliveries in January this year. The regulator estimated that this change would save Royal Mail between £250 million and £425 million, considering the decline in letter volumes delivered to UK households from 20 billion two decades ago to 6.6 billion presently.
Over the past 18 months, Royal Mail has faced fines exceeding £16 million due to missed delivery targets and subpar performance. However, first class post will continue to be delivered from Monday to Saturday.
Natalie Black, Group Director for Networks and Communications at Ofcom, emphasized that these adjustments are vital for the postal service’s sustainability and are aimed at benefiting consumers and businesses. She highlighted the importance of Royal Mail effectively implementing these changes and ensuring that customers reap the advantages.
Martin Seidenberg, the group chief executive of Royal Mail’s parent company, International Distribution Services, expressed satisfaction with Ofcom’s decision, noting that it will enhance the delivery of a reliable and financially viable universal service for customers nationwide.
Tom MacInnes, the Director of Policy at Citizens Advice, criticized Royal Mail’s historical failure to meet delivery targets while increasing postage prices. He urged for more meaningful changes to enhance reliability and service standards for customers, emphasizing the importance of backing words with actionable measures.
Receive our money-saving tips and top offers directly in your inbox by subscribing to the Mirror Money newsletter.