Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will take steps to ensure that Universal Service Obligation reform adequately meets the requirements of vulnerable consumers reliant on postal services.

The government recognises the importance of access to post for all users, especially the most vulnerable and is committed to the universal service obligation.

As the independent regulator for postal services, it is Ofcom’s responsibility to secure the provision of a universal postal service and must ensure the provision of sufficient access points to meet the reasonable needs of users of the service. In its proposals, Ofcom committed to continue to engage with other stakeholders on the issue of ensuring that specific vulnerable groups have access to post.