MP raises Royal Mail concerns with postal minister

Concerns over the impact an increase in Royal Mail delivery charges could have on small businesses in Orkney and Shetland have been raised with Ed Davey, minister for postal  affairs.

According to Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael, during discussions on boosting postal services efficiency, one option proposed was to give Royal Mail freedom to determine contracts with large companies and other postal providers. Some have suggested, however, that this could lead to higher prices in hard-to-reach locations.

Mr Carmichael said: “There is an obvious need for steps to be taken to secure the future of the universal [postal] service and the measures in the Postal Services Bill will go a long way towards putting the company back on a sustainable footing. Nevertheless, we need to be careful to ensure that changes do not impact negatively on people and businesses who rely on special delivery and other Royal Mail services on a daily basis.

“I will continue to work closely with the minister to make certain that isles concerns are taken fully on board before any changes to the rules are implemented.”