Postcomm's response to announcements on the mail industry
21 July 2005
Postcomm, the independent regulator for mail services, today responded to two announcements on the full opening of the mail market to competition.
Nigel Stapleton, Postcomm chairman, said: “There have been two significant announcements in the last 24 hours regarding postal services. First is the Trade and Industry Select Committee decision to hold an inquiry into the full opening of the market, and second is the appointment today by the Trade and Industry Secretary of Professor Sir George Bain to advise ministers on Royal Mail matters.
“We look forward to giving evidence to the Select Committee and also to working with Sir George who will bring his considerable experience to bear on postal services. We will be aiming to ensure that customer choice, value for money, quality of service and an affordable daily delivery for everyone remain the key focus of policy.”
Postcomm reports directly to Parliament and gives advice to DTI and other parts of government on a range of postal issues. Its principal duties – which are set out in the Postal Services Act 2000 – are to:
- ensure the provision of a universal postal service;
- promote the interests of customers (including vulnerable groups), wherever appropriate by promoting effective competition between postal operators;
- promote efficiency on the part of postal operators, and have regard to the need to ensure that licensed operators are able to finance their activities.
