Postcomm reviews Postcode Address File Code of Practice
30 June 2003
Postcomm today published for consultation its first review of the Code of Practice that it introduced last year on changes to the Postcode Address File (PAF) – the list of the postal addresses of all 27 million households throughout the UK, which is maintained by Royal Mail. This Code of Practice for the first time set out rules that, among other things, enabled people to ask Royal Mail to make changes to parts of their postal address.
The review document, which reflects the initial views of Postwatch, the consumer watchdog, and Royal Mail, notes that the Code appears to have worked well during its first year of operation, but seeks views on whether arrangements for changes to the PAF need to be altered, or made more flexible.
At present customer-initiated changes require (amongst other things) a ballot of those affected. The present Code calls for a minimum turnout of 50% of those eligible to vote, and a majority of those voting in favour, in order to make the change. The document asks whether this change mechanism, including these vote thresholds, should continue as it is, or be changed.
Notes for editors
During the first year of the PAF Code of Practice, six localities balloted on changes to their postal address (to add an extra line reflecting the name of their town or village). All returned a yes vote and the average response rate was more than 70%.
The Code does not deal with more controversial issues, such as the possibility of changing addresses which refer to postal towns, for example, across a national border. These issues will form part of a wider review of the future of the PAF which is planned for later this year.
The consultation document, Review of Royal Mail’s Licence Condition 20 – Postcode Address File Code of Practice, is available from Postcomm at 6 Hercules Road, London SE1 7DB. Responses are requested by 10 September 2003.
