Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what plans he has to ensure that the Royal Mail's universal service obligation continues to be met.

Government is committed to securing a sustainable universal postal service for the UK.

Parliament has given Ofcom, as an independent regulator, the primary statutory duty to secure the provision of a universal postal service - the collection and delivery of letters six days a week throughout the UK at uniform affordable prices - and to have regard for its financial sustainability.

Ofcom has introduced a comprehensive monitoring regime which is forward looking, based on the plans of Royal Mail and other postal operators, to track Royal Mail’s performance and potential impacts on the provision of the universal service.

Ofcom recently announced a fundamental review of the regulation of Royal Mail. The review will ensure regulation remains appropriate and sufficient to secure the universal postal service.