Ofcom Proposes Scaling Back Royal Mail Second-Class Deliveries

Regulator suggests ending Saturday second-class mail and reducing delivery targets to ensure financial sustainability.

Ofcom has proposed ending Saturday deliveries for second-class mail and shifting to alternate weekday services, citing reduced letter volumes and financial pressures.
First-class mail delivery will remain six days a week, with a price cap on second-class stamps to protect affordability for customers.
Royal Mail’s delivery targets may be revised, with first-class next-day delivery reduced from 93% to 90% and second-class three-day delivery lowered from 98.5% to 95%.
The changes could save Royal Mail between £250 million and £425 million annually, as letter volumes have dropped from 20 billion annually two decades ago to an expected 4 billion in the coming years.
The proposals are subject to a consultation period ending April 10, with a final decision expected in the summer.