MP slams Post Office mismanagement for slew of delivery delays

Following news that the Government has approved Royal Mail’s takeover by billionaire Daniel Kretinsky in the aftermath of last week’s £10.5m fine for missed delivery targets, Thornbury & Yate MP Claire Young has criticised ‘blatant mismanagement’ for the delays and called for the new owner to ‘actually deliver’.

Ofcom’s fine is almost double last year’s, which was issued due to similar problems. It comes as more than a quarter of all first-class mail arrived late in the year to March 2024.

The incoming new owner has promised to keep the institution’s HQ in the UK for five years, prompting concerns that he may not honour that commitment after five years.

Claire Young MP has said that people across our community are being badly let down by the poor service, citing the impact on everyone from NHS patients waiting for appointment letters to families sending cards and presents for Christmas.

She has called on the new ownership to ‘work night and day’ to turn the situation around, with a focus on making sure they support hardworking staff to ensure they can ‘actually deliver’.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat MP Claire Young said:

“For far too long, despite the incredible work of our local postal workers, people across our area have been badly let down by Royal Mail. This is a particular issue in Yate, where some residents have received letters long past their sell by date.

“It’s extremely disappointing that Royal Mail has once again been found in breach of its delivery targets. This impacts everyone; from NHS patients waiting for appointment letters to families sending Christmas cards and presents.

“It’s even more concerning that this iconic British institution may not remain based in the UK, and that the watering down of services is still on the table – despite the huge role it plays in our daily lives.

“Royal Mail’s incoming owner and management must work night and day to turn things around for rural communities like ours, so that people get the service they deserve and they actually get their post in a timely manner.

“Ministers and Royal Mail executives must focus on ensuring they actually deliver and don’t just offer more warm words and empty promises.”