North Northumberland MP calls on Royal Mail to fix postal delays
North Northumberland MP David Smith has urged Royal Mail to get its service in order after raising concerns about persistent postal delays.
David met with Royal Mail this morning (September 28) after receiving reports from constituents across North Northumberland about delayed deliveries, including important letters relating to healthcare, bills and employment.
The North Northumberland MP said that his constituents continue to be impacted by postal delays under new delivery arrangements and urged Royal Mail to listen to the experiences of customers, delivery offices and posties.
David Smith MP said: "Residents in North Northumberland are frustrated by post arriving late, sometimes days or even weeks after it was expected. For many people here, especially older residents, the postal service isn't a luxury, it's an essential part of everyday life.
"Delays to appointment letters, bills, contracts and other important correspondence can have real consequences.
"I’m still hearing about these problems despite the cycle change Royal Mail has brought in that was meant to improve its service. Small delays can have a big impact, and some of the cases raised with my office involved post arriving weeks late.
"I also know how much pressure our postmen and women are under. This isn't about the frontline staff who work hard to serve our communities.
"Royal Mail needs to listen to the concerns being raised by both customers and postal workers and make sure staff have the support they need to deliver the service people expect.
"Royal Mail has set out plans to improve its performance, and I want to see those improvements delivered in practice. My constituents aren’t interested in targets or regulations; they just want their post to arrive on time.
"I'll continue raising residents' concerns with Royal Mail and Ofcom until we see the reliable service that people in North Northumberland need and deserve."
David has previously raised concerns about postal delays with Royal Mail, Ofcom and the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, and has joined other MPs in calling for stronger action to improve performance and restore confidence in the postal service.