Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will meet with the Chief Executive of (a) Shropshire Council and (b) Telford & Wrekin Council to review the continuing use of Royal Mail postal services for democratic services and for elections where postal votes are permitted.

Officials in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government meet regularly with Royal Mail to discuss matters relating to elections including capacity, capability and contingency planning.

We are aware of current concerns about Royal Mail deliveries in national and local press, and have been in contact with Royal Mail about these ahead of the upcoming local elections in May.

As part of the usual engagement ahead of significant electoral events, Ministers and senior government officials have met with the Chief Executive and other senior representatives from Royal Mail and it is intended to do so again before of the May elections.