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Universal Postal Service Order: Rhondda
08 May 2024
Lead MP
Chris Bryant
Rhondda and Ogmore
Lab
Responding Minister
Kevin Hollinrake
Tags
EmploymentCulture, Media & Sport
Word Count: 4219
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Chris Bryant raised concerns about universal postal service order: rhondda in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Bryant wants Royal Mail to employ enough staff, value them properly, ensure that letters are not treated as second-rate compared to parcels, have a proper complaint process, and return to the system from about ten years ago. He also requests an apology if issues have been obscured locally.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Chris Bryant is concerned about Royal Mail failing to meet the universal service obligation in his constituency. Letters have decreased from 14.3 billion in 2011-12 to 7.3 billion in 2022-23, and parcels increased from 2.6 billion to 3.6 billion during the same period. Residents face issues such as sporadic mail delivery, missed hospital appointments due to late letters, and difficulty contacting Royal Mail for complaints. Postal workers report insufficient staffing, prioritisation of parcels over post, large undeliverable rounds, and vans too small for both parcels and mail.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Committed to the hon. Gentleman's initiative and emphasised the need for clear legal obligations under the universal postal service order to ensure availability in rural areas.
Government Response
Kevin Hollinrake
Government Response
The Minister acknowledged the importance of maintaining a six-day delivery service, highlighted concerns over Royal Mail's performance in meeting delivery targets, and noted recent improvements following agreements with unions. He emphasised the need for actions to address ongoing issues such as recruitment challenges and sickness absence affecting local services. Ofcom fined Royal Mail £5.6 million earlier this year for contravention of conditions in 2022-23, and the Minister stated that action was needed beyond words. Recent performance data shows a reduction in sickness absence and improvements in delivery rates. The Minister also discussed measures to address local service issues in Ferndale and Mid Rhondda, including recruitment efforts and prioritisation of mail deliveries on subsequent working days if missed.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.