Today, Ofcom has begun consulting with stakeholders on Universal Service reform, with a specific focus on gaining feedback on Royal Mail’s proposal for change.

The consultation will run until 5pm on 10 April 2025 and Ofcom has said it will reach a final decision in the summer. The Ofcom consultation can be accessed here.

In initial response, Emma Gilthorpe, Chief Executive Officer, Royal Mail said:

“Ofcom has recognised the urgent need for change so that the future of the Universal Service can be protected for all. Our proposal was developed after speaking to thousands of people across the country and is designed to preserve what matters most for our customers - maintaining a one-price-goes-anywhere service to 32 million UK addresses and First Class deliveries six days a week. As Ofcom’s analysis shows, it is no longer financially sustainable to maintain a network built for 20 billion letters when we are now only delivering 6.7 billion. Reform is crucial to support a modern, sustainable, and reliable postal service for our customers, our company and our people.”

We will be in touch with Access customers shortly to discuss the consultation proposals in more detail.

IWe have also set up a dedicated page on our website which comprises key Wholesale documents (for example the D+3 and D+2 technical guides) related to USO reform.