MPs slam Ofcom for letting Royal Mail off the hook

30 July 2025

Liberal Democrat MPs Daisy Cooper and Victoria Collins have slammed the postal regulator Ofcom for allowing Royal Mail to abandon second-class deliveries on a Saturday, and cut them back throughout the week. This announcement comes shortly after data showed missed delivery targets in Hertfordshire.

Some local residents are already experiencing unacceptable postal delays, sometimes for more than two weeks. 

Residents have reported how this has disrupted their everyday lives and is requiring some to travel to their local sorting office multiple times a week just to receive their post.

Daisy and Victoria have both repeatedly raised these delays with Royal Mail on behalf of constituents, and called on Ofcom to step in after recent data exposed that just 82.8% first-class deliveries in AL postcodes and 76.1% in HP postcodes, were delivered on time in 2024/25 - well below their target of 93%.

Now, the regulator says it will allow Royal Mail to abandon second-class deliveries on a Sunday, and cut them back throughout the week. 

Daisy said:

“St Albans residents in Marshalswick, Jersey Farm and Hill End have been telling me about serious issues they’re already experiencing with getting Royal Mail deliveries on time, including time sensitive documents. Residents are understandably sick of this poor service disrupting their daily lives so Ofcom’s decision just adds insult to injury.

“Our local posties are doing an absolutely fantastic job, but Royal Mail bosses must be held to account - they can’t be let off the hook.”

Victoria said:

“With delays to deliveries too common an occurrence in our local area, it’s completely unacceptable that the issue is set to worsen, as Ofcom allows Royal Mail to cut down on postal services.

“There’s a clear need for greater accountability for those at the top of Royal Mail, who are presiding over disruption and missed targets whilst posties across the country work hard to ensure we get our post as soon as possible.

“Rather than endorsing delays by cutting down on delivery days, Ofcom should be working hard to ensure Royal Mail fulfils its obligations and provides the service that local residents deserve and expect.”

Both MPs also signed a Liberal Democrat letter bringing these nationwide issues with Royal Mail’s performance to the attention of the relevant government Minister, and calling for the government to work with Royal Mail and Ofcom to improve the service.

And Daisy is continuing to hold Royal Mail to account on providing answers to constituents impacted by issues with delivery services, including by questioning the government on how they are working to ensure Royal Mail provide timely responses to casework enquiries from MPs.

Both Daisy and Victoria will also continue to raise any issues constituents are experiencing with Royal Mail.