While these changes aim to modernise the postal system, they have raised significant concerns for some PPA members.
Key proposals include:
- Reduction of Second Class letter deliveries
From six days a week to alternate weekdays (Monday to Friday), while maintaining six-day delivery for First Class letters and parcel services. - Introduction of a new access service
Offering delivery within three weekdays, alongside the current service that guarantees delivery within two weekdays. The existing two-day delivery service will remain regulated for priority bulk mail for a transitional period, but the removal of Saturday delivery from the five-day access service is also a concern for publishers who rely on Saturday deliveries for operational purposes.
Ofcom acknowledged that the PPA had highlighted that specialist publishers would not be able to transition to a reduced service and still deliver their products to consumers on time.
Ofcom has proposed to regulate the two-day delivery service in the short term, and Royal Mail has committed to offering this service on a commercial basis for a limited period. The PPA is currently liaising with Royal Mail and Ofcom to understand the implications of the proposed exemption for commercial purposes for publishers.
The consultation remains open until 10 April 2025, and the PPA will continue to engage with Ofcom and other stakeholders to ensure the proposed reforms address the needs of the publishing sector.
If you have any questions or would like to find out more, contact our Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Eilidh.wilson@ppa.co.uk