Following news that the Government has approved Royal Mail’s takeover by billionaire Daniel Kretinsky, and last week’s £10.5m fine by Ofcom for missing delivery targets for first and second class mail, Ian Roome, MP for North Devon, has called out “blatant mismanagement” for causing repeated delays in postal delivery across the area, calling for the new owner to put services for communities first.
Ofcom’s fine is almost double last year’s, which was issued due to similar problems.
It comes as more than a quarter of all first-class mail arrived late in the year to March 2024.
The incoming new owner has promised to keep the institution’s HQ in the UK for five years, prompting concerns that he may not honour that commitment after five years.
Ian Roome said that “it’s clear that, despite the incredible work of our local postal workers, people across our community are being badly let down - from NHS patients waiting for appointments to families sending Christmas cards and presents.”
They have called on the new ownership to “work day and night” to turn the situation in North Devon around.
With North Devon’s rurality and many towns and villages being scattered over a large region, this makes delivery routes more spread out and limited access can slow down delivery times.
Delivery branches in North Devon have also recently faced challenges with recruitment and vacancies.
Ian Roome MP for North Devon, said: “I have visited many local Royal Mail postal and sorting offices, including my recent visits to South Molton and Barnstaple, and I have seen first-hand the incredible work of our local postal workers.
“Thousands of us across North Devon depend on Royal Mail services every single day. However, it’s clear that, despite the best efforts of our local postal workers, people across our community are being badly let down - from NHS patients waiting for appointments to families sending Christmas cards and presents.
“It’s extremely disappointing that Royal Mail has been found in breach of its delivery targets. It’s even more concerning that this British institution may not remain permanently based in the UK, and that the watering down of services is still on the table.
“Royal Mail’s incoming owner and management must work day and night to turn things around for communities like ours, so that people get the service they deserve. I’ll be following this situation very closely. Ministers and Royal Mail executives must be held to account so that local communities come first.”
In response, the Gazette reached out to Royal Mail for comment.
A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “Our posties in North Devon are working extremely hard to deliver everyone’s presents and cards in time for Christmas and we plan to build on last year’s success where we delivered 99 per cent of items before Christmas day.
“Ensuring deliveries are made on time is our top priority. Our service is improving year-on-year with the vast majority of First and Second Class items arriving on time. However, we know there is more to do and we are working hard to drive further improvements.”