Stuart Anderson MP has welcomed Ofcom’s decision to launch a fresh investigation into Royal Mail after it missed its first-class delivery targets for the third year running.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
“When post arrives late, people miss important correspondence like medical appointments, benefit decisions, and court documents. In rural areas like South Shropshire, the postal service is not just a convenience; it is a vital lifeline that keeps communities connected. I welcome Ofcom’s decision to launch a fresh investigation into Royal Mail after it missed its first-class delivery targets for the third year running. However, Ofcom must now use its full powers to ensure Royal Mail prioritises letters, not just parcels, and guarantees rural communities get the service they deserve.”
Ofcom’s investigation comes after figures published by Royal Mail show only 75.7% of First-Class letters were delivered within one working day in the year to 31st March 2026. This falls well short of Ofcom’s 93% target that applied during the period under investigation, and means almost 1 in 4 letters, or around 126 million nationally, arrived late. Second-Class performance also failed to meet standards. 90.2% of Second-Class letters were delivered within three working days, against the then target of 98.5%. Royal Mail was fined £21 million in October 2025 for failing to meet targets in 2024/25. Ofcom will now examine whether Royal Mail breached its delivery obligations in 2025/26, whether it has prioritised parcels over letters, and whether further enforcement action, including penalties, is appropriate.
Last July, Ofcom approved controversial changes to the Universal Service Obligation (USO). The changes mean that Second-Class letters can now be delivered on alternate weekdays rather than six days a week. As of 1st April 2026, the annual targets were also lowered to 90% for First-Class and 95% for Second-Class mail. These new standards do not apply to the 2025/26 period now under investigation.
Royal Mail has agreed delivery changes with the Communication Workers Union (CWU) and says it will complete the roll-out by Christmas 2026. It has also published a £500 million, five-year improvement plan which it says aims to meet the new, lower targets within 12 months. The plan allows 6,000 part-time postal workers to increase their average weekly hours if needed. However, Stuart has said that it needs to result in tangible improvements for rural communities like South Shropshire.
Stuart has consistently raised concerns about Royal Mail performance with Ministers and met with company executives in March to raise local concerns. Stuart’s focus has been on ensuring reliable postal services in areas like Bishop’s Castle and Clun where alternatives are limited, challenging any shift towards parcels at the expense of letters, and holding Royal Mail to account following repeated failures to meet long-standing delivery standards.
