Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made, if any, of how delays in Royal Mail's postal delivery service impact the economy; and what steps are they taking to address any adverse impacts resulting from such delays.

The Government recognises the important role that postal services have in supporting the UK economy as well as individuals, families and businesses throughout the country, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic. We remain committed to ensuring the universal postal service, through the universal service obligation, remains affordable and accessible to all users.

Ofcom, as the UK’s designated independent regulator of postal services, monitors Royal Mail’s performance standards in relation to its delivery of the universal postal service. Under Ofcom’s regulatory framework Royal Mail, as the UK’s designated universal service provider, is subject to a set of minimum requirements and service standards in the provision of universal services. Ofcom publishes an annual monitoring update on postal services on its website.

Ofcom is carrying out a review of the future regulatory framework for post which it aims to complete in 2022.  As part of this review, Ofcom is considering whether its regulatory framework remains fit for purpose and effective. Ofcom intends to publish a full consultation on the future regulation of postal services later this year.