Business reporter
Getty imagesThe industry regulator has said that Royal Mail can give second class letters every other week and Saturday.
Tomcom said that the universal service responsibility (USO) required an improvement as people are sending less letters every year, so stamp prices continue to rise as the cost of giving letters increases.
Current one-pris-gauz-even USO means that the Royal Mail is to be posted six days a week, Monday to Saturday, and there are five parcels from Monday to Friday.
The Royal Mail welcomed the changes, saying that it would support “reliable, efficient and economically sustainable universal service”.
Tomcom said that the Royal Mail would have to continue distributing first class letters six days a week.
Natalie Black, director of the group for network and communication, said, “These changes are in the best interest of consumers and businesses, as immediate improvement of postal service is necessary to give it the best chance to survive.”
However, changing the obligations of Royal Mail will not improve service, he said.
“The company now has to play its share and implement it effectively.”
The regulator is also changing the distribution goals of the Royal Mail.
The company must distribute 90% first class mail below the current target of 93%, below the current target, while the 95% second-class mail must be distributed within three days, cuts from the current 98.5%.
However, 99% will be a new target of the mail, which will be delivered to delay more than two days to encourage the Royal Mail to cut long delays.
The Royal Mail Owner International Distribution Services (IDS) said it was “good news for customers in the UK”.
IDS Chief Executive Officer Martin Sedenberg said the change “comprehensive counseling with thousands of people and businesses” and to reflect their needs “how to send and get its realities”.
