Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Royal Mail — [Siobhain McDonagh in the Chair]

17 June 2021 · 5 other contributors · 9,487 words

Opened by David Johnston Con Wantage

Responding minister: Paul Scully

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

David Johnston raised concerns about royal mail — [siobhain mcdonagh in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • MP David Johnston expressed concerns about increased complaints against Royal Mail since August 2020, citing specific cases affecting constituents' medical appointments and personal communications.
  • Johnston requested Royal Mail to review operations and invest in addressing staffing and facility issues, and proposed a simpler compensation process for delayed deliveries.
  • The Minister acknowledged service disruptions due to sickness absence and changes in consumer behaviour during the pandemic, and noted Ofcom's support for Royal Mail's emergency measures.

Key requests to Government

David Johnston requested that Royal Mail review operations and possibly invest some of its profits to address staffing or facility issues. He also suggested a simpler compensation process for delayed deliveries based on automatic triggers when late delivery thresholds are breached.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

David Johnston Con Wantage

MP David Johnston expressed concerns about the performance of Royal Mail, noting a significant increase in complaints since August 2020. He cited specific cases where constituents missed medical appointments due to delayed mail and received condolence cards late after losing loved ones. Over 65% of his constituents have experienced issues such as missing important letters for extended periods (one to three weeks). Royal Mail's first-class delivery target fell to 74.7%, its lowest level in recent years, while the company reported record profits.

Other contributors (5)
  • Catherine West Lab Hornsey and Friern Barnet

    Catherine West reported concerns from 130 constituents regarding issues with Royal Mail service, particularly during the second and third waves of COVID-19. Issues included late delivery causing fees for unpaid bills, missed vaccine invitation letters, and delayed receipt of important documents affecting medical treatment access. She requested a reopening of the delivery office opposite Hornsey railway station due to improved financial conditions at Royal Mail.

  • Chi Onwurah Lab Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West

    Chi Onwurah, as the shadow Minister for postal affairs, highlighted the importance of Royal Mail to communities and businesses during the pandemic. She acknowledged the service provided by posties but criticised privatisation that led to record profits for Royal Mail while consumers and workers faced rising costs, longer delivery times, and job losses. She mentioned 12,000 jobs lost between 2013 and 2017 due to operational changes such as online stamp printing, reduction of opening times, and closure of sorting offices.

  • Helen Hayes Lab Dulwich and West Norwood

    The MP paid tribute to postal workers for their service during the pandemic, noting significant infection rates among them. She highlighted severe delivery issues in her SE22 constituency due to a merger of delivery offices that led to unreliable services and distressing consequences for residents. The MP called for better regulation of Royal Mail to include public consultation on office closures, tighter geographical coverage rules, and improved performance data.

  • Siobhain McDonagh Lab Mitcham and Morden

    Reminded hon. Members about changes to normal practice for hybrid arrangements, including timings of debates and camera requirements for virtual participants.

  • Stephen Flynn SNP Aberdeen South

    Paid tribute to the debate's importance and highlighted Royal Mail's historical prestige. Criticised the government for privatising Royal Mail in 2013, arguing this decision may be at the root of current issues. Noted that despite struggling with delivery targets, Royal Mail is making record profits (£762 million pre-tax profit). Discussed the closure of post office counters in Aberdeen and thanked staff for their efforts during the pandemic.

Government Response

Paul Scully

The Minister thanked Royal Mail for their dedication during the pandemic, acknowledged service disruptions due to high levels of sickness absence and changes in consumer behaviour. He noted that Ofcom supports measures taken by Royal Mail under emergency conditions and is monitoring performance closely. The regulatory framework allows flexibility to manage emergencies, and future reviews will consider extra consumer protections and market changes.

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