Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if she will have discussions with (a) Ofcom and (b) Royal Mail on (i) the maintenance of postcodes and (ii) the extent to which newly designated postcodes are recognised by satellite navigation systems.

The Government understands the role data plays in delivering benefits in the public and private sectors and the UK has traditionally maintained high quality address data that supports a wide range of uses across the economy.

However, the postcode system is an operational tool, owned and maintained by Royal Mail, with its primary purpose being to ensure the accurate sorting, routing and delivery of customers’ mail. Royal Mail keeps this under review for its purposes.

Postcodes may be used for other purposes including by private and public sector organisations. The terms of access to the Postcode Address File are regulated by Ofcom, the independent regulator. However, other commercial products to identify locations for the purposes of deliveries and directions are also available.