Island postal service under “threat” from Royal Mail privatisation 10/1/13
The SNP says the privatisation of the Royal Mail could mean a reduced postal service for the Western Isles.
MP Angus Macneil says moves to introduce an “end-
He says it could be a disaster for the island communities that are reliant on the Universal Service Obligation for affordable deliveries for both householders and businesses.
Angus MacNeil said: “Following on from the busy Christmas and New Year period, we
should all reflect on just how vital a universal postal service is to us. It is especially
important for rural communities and if we were to lose the Universal Service as the
Tories and Lib-
“The Royal Mail service is vital at all times of the year and the privatisation plans of the present UK government pose a real threat to the continuation of the universal service.”
Mr Macneil added: “At present the Royal Mail is under an obligation to deliver mail at the same price in all areas of the UK six days a week. This is vital to many businesses, especially in rural areas, who do not have access to the special deals offered for bulk mail deliveries.
“If, however, competitors are allowed to cherry pick end to end deliveries in urban areas, this will seriously undermine the ability of Royal Mail to continue the service for all areas, and particularly in rural and more remote areas, where the cost of delivery is higher.
“The SNP has put significant pressure on the UK Government but we still need the guarantee of protection for the Universal Service.
“The postal services regulator is currently conducting research into the postal services and looking at changes to the universal service, which could include cutting delivery days from six to five, reducing quality of service and perhaps even getting rid of first class mail. This is deeply concerning.
“These changes would be a disaster for rural areas, and especially rural businesses. A reduction in days could also lead to substantial redundancies within the postal service.”
He said: “Scotland needs a first-