The government is set to oppose Royal Mail’s proposal to eliminate Saturday letter deliveries, as the communications industry regulator, Ofcom, prepares to release a review of the postal service’s future.
Ofcom is expected to present various options for the postal service’s future, including the potential elimination of Saturday services, as part of its review of the universal service obligation (USO). The government has expressed strong opposition to the idea of scrapping Saturday deliveries, citing the importance of flexibility and convenience for businesses and publishers.
Ofcom’s proposals could also include changes to delivery targets, stamp prices, and state subsidies for Royal Mail. However, the regulator does not have the authority to enforce such changes without an update to the Postal Services Act 2011.
Royal Mail has argued that the current six-day service is unsustainable, while the regulator has been exploring alternate day and three-day delivery services. The company’s parent company has also cited changes in other countries, such as Germany and Italy, as examples of more sustainable delivery models.
The government’s stance on Saturday deliveries could pose challenges for the Labour party, which has yet to firmly assert its position on the issue. The shadow environment secretary has expressed reservations about alternate day services, indicating potential political implications for the party.
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