Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of reducing the universal service obligation to five-days-a-week on publishers with magazine subscription models.

Ofcom, as the designated independent regulator of postal services, is responsible for ensuring the provision of a universal postal service that meets users’ needs. I note Ofcom’s recently published discussion document setting out potential options to reform the service, reflecting changing market conditions and consumers’ needs. All those with an interest in postal services may submit responses to Ofcom’s call for inputs (www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations-and-statements/category-1/the-future-of-the-universal-postal-service).

The Government will consider any recommendations that Ofcom puts forward, but Ministers are not currently minded to introduce new legislation to change the current obligations on postal deliveries.