Petition seeks parliamentary review of planned cuts to Royal Mail services
26 May 2025
Councillor Gordon Murray is calling on residents in rural and island communities,
to sign a petition to safeguard the Royal Mail’s Universal Service Obligation (USO).
The petition, which seeks to ensure the continuation of a reliable, affordable, and
six-days-a-week postal service, is fast approaching the 100,000 signatures needed
to be considered for debate in Parliament.
Cllr Murray said the Royal Mail’s USO is a cornerstone of connectivity for rural
and island communities, where access to reliable postal services is not just a convenience
but a lifeline.
He emphasises that any reduction in service - such as proposed reforms to cut second-class
letter deliveries to five days a fortnight could disproportionately harm those in
remote areas.
“For our islands, Royal Mail is more than a postal service; it’s a vital link to
the mainland, supporting businesses, healthcare, and personal connections,” he said.
“Reducing deliveries or allowing price hikes without scrutiny risks isolating our
communities further.”
The government’s response in April acknowledges Royal Mail’s poor performance, with
Ofcom fining the company £10.5m in December for failing to meet delivery targets.
However, Cllr Murray argues that the proposed changes to the USO, which Ofcom suggests
do not require parliamentary approval, fail to address the needs of rural areas.
“Island communities rely on consistent, affordable postal services to access essential
goods, medical supplies, and communication. We cannot allow changes that prioritise
profit over people,” he said.
The petition highlights the importance of maintaining the USO’s six-day service and
affordable pricing, as mandated by the Postal Services Act 2011.
With letter volumes declining, Ofcom’s consultation, which closed last month, proposed
reforms to second-class deliveries to ensure financial sustainability. Yet, Cllr
Murray warns that such changes could exacerbate inequalities for rural and island
residents, where alternative delivery options are limited or nonexistent.
Cllr Murray urges the public to sign the petition before it reaches the critical
100,000-signature threshold, which would trigger consideration for a parliamentary
debate.
“This is about protecting a service that binds our nation together, especially for
those in remote areas who rely on Royal Mail the most. Let’s send a clear message
to Parliament that our postal service must remain universal, reliable, and affordable.”
Royal Mail says the rise of email and digital communications means people are sending
fewer letters, and addresses now receive just four letters a week on average. “Change
is needed to make the postal service more efficient while protecting choice of price,
speed and reliability for people across all corners of the UK,” it adds.
