Postcomm to modify postal licences

22 September 2005

Following consultation and with the initial agreement of licensees, Postcomm has decided to modify the postal licences of Royal Mail and other long term licence holders to include conditions on common operating procedures and mail integrity. Licence modifications are allowed under Section 14 of the Postal Services Act 2000, providing there is agreement between the postal operator and Postcomm.

The modifications require licensees to:

• identify any mail that has entered their system in error and repatriate it to the correct carrier in a timely and efficient manner, and re-direct any misdirected customer enquiries to the appropriate operator
• meet minimum standards to ensure the integrity of mail, and to have procedures for recruitment, training and disciplining of staff, the physical security of mail, reporting incidents and the responsibilities of agents and subcontractors.

Any representations on Postcomm’s decision can be made by Friday 21st October to Sarah Benson at Postcomm, 6 Hercules Road, London SE1 7DB, (email sarah.benson@psc.gov.uk, fax 020 7593 2142).