Postcomm reviews Postcode Address File Code of Practice
12 March 2004
Postcomm today published the findings of its first review of the Code of Practice governing 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. The Code sets out rules that, among other things, enable people to ask Royal Mail to make changes to parts of their postal address.
The review, which takes account of the views of Royal Mail, Postwatch, the consumer watchdog, and 25 other respondents, notes that the Code appears to have worked well so far, but proposes:
- the creation of a fast-track system for customer-initiated change where less than 20% of the affected residents object, when contacted by Royal Mail
- a two-year minimum wait before a re-ballot; and
- the setting of a date for the start of the next formal review in November 2008, as well as
- a number of minor changes.
At present customer-initiated changes include a ballot of those affected. Where a ballot is called for, the Code requires a minimum turnout of 50% of those eligible to vote, and a majority of those voting in favour, in order to make the change.
Notes for editors
Up to January this year, 23 localities had balloted on changes to their postal address (to add an extra line reflecting the name of their town or village) under the Code. All returned a yes vote and the average response rate was more than 70%.
The document, Review of Royal Mail’s Licence Condition 20 – Postcode Address File Code of Practice, is published today on the Postcomm website www.postcomm.gov.uk. Printed copies are available from Postcomm at 6 Hercules Road, London SE1 7DB.
