'Double lock' for rural postal services

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 01 Oct 2013, 15:42

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Interest in the privatisation of Royal Mail has revived the debate about rural postal services, with opponents of the move suggesting services will be allowed to deteriorate, either immediately or after the next general election.

Rural postbox_275_184However, the NFU has pointed out that the Post Office Services Act 2011 contains a ‘double lock’ - it gives the Business Secretary the power to amend, by order, the minimum requirements for a universal service, but only if OFCOM has carried out a review under the Act.

Crucially, no order can result in the service being non-uniform throughout the UK in respect of the tariffs, number of days' collection or number of days’ delivery.

Members requiring more detail can contact their County Adviser or regional office for a summary of the relevant provisions of the Post Office Services Act 2011.

The NFU is working with other rural organisations to ensure that services are properly monitored and that the rural customers of postal services are treated fairly.