Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of moving to a fully digitalised vocational driving licence application system.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Straightforward applications for vocational driving licences are being processed within normal turnaround times of ten working days.

Applications where a medical condition must be assessed before a licence can be issued can take longer to process as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is often dependent on information from third parties, including medical professionals before a licence can be issued.

While the DVLA plans to enhance the online services available for vocational drivers given the clear advantages for both the DVLA and drivers in doing so, there are no current timescales available.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to reduce waiting times for vocational driving licences for (a) new applicants and (b) renewals.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Straightforward applications for vocational driving licences are being processed within normal turnaround times of ten working days.

Applications where a medical condition must be assessed before a licence can be issued can take longer to process as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is often dependent on information from third parties, including medical professionals before a licence can be issued.

While the DVLA plans to enhance the online services available for vocational drivers given the clear advantages for both the DVLA and drivers in doing so, there are no current timescales available.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what steps he is taking to help ensure Royal Mail delivers letters to vulnerable people in a timely manner.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The government recognises that many vulnerable people rely on postal services to receive important correspondence.

Royal Mail is an independent business, and the government does not have a role in its day-to-day operational decisions. Royal Mail has its own measures to support vulnerable customers where relevant.

It is for Ofcom, as the independent regulator, to monitor Royal Mail’s compliance with its universal service obligation and to take enforcement action where necessary.

Government continues to engage closely with Ofcom and Royal Mail on the quality of service provided, to ensure that all customers, including vulnerable users, receive the service they are entitled to.