
The Government has said that the Royal Mail's performance has 'not been good enough' and is being monitored by Ofcom.
In a written parliamentary question, Reform MP Lee Anderson asked the Business and Trade Secretary about the potential impact of Royal Mail failing to deliver letters detailing fines on time, which can include driving penalties.
The MP for Ashfield said: "To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of letters detailing fines delivered by Royal Mail not arriving on time on people receiving those letters."
In a response, Labour MP Blair McDougall acknowledged that the performance from the Royal Mail has 'not been good enough'.
The MP Member of Parliament for East Renfrewshire said: "The government recognises the concern that arises when important and time-sensitive post does not arrive as expected. I have been clear that Royal Mail’s performance has not been good enough.
"Royal Mail is an independent business responsible for delivery operations, and it is for Ofcom, as the independent regulator, to set and monitor service standards and take enforcement action where necessary. Ofcom has assured me that it continues to monitor quality of service closely to protect consumers."
In a separate written parliamentary question, Conservative MP Andrew Snowden made another enquiry about the impact of changes to letter delivery for those who rely on the Royal Mail for essential communications.
The MP for Fylde said: "To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the changes to letter delivery frequencies on households that rely on postal services for essential communications."
Blair McDougall again responded by mentioning the independent regulator Ofcom.
"The government is committed to the provision of a reliable and affordable universal postal service that works for consumers, workers and communities," Mr McDougall said.
"Ofcom, as the independent regulator, has introduced reforms to the universal service obligation intended to better reflect changing user needs while securing its long-term sustainability."
Mr McDougall continued: "In developing these reforms, Ofcom conducted extensive consultation and considered the needs of consumers and businesses.
"The government recognises the importance of postal services, particularly for vulnerable users and those who rely on them for essential communications, and expects Ofcom to ensure the universal service continues to meet users’ reasonable needs."
And finally, Ashfield MP Lee Anderson asked the Department for Business and Trade about the data recorded for the proportion of Royal Mail letters and parcels that are not delivered within their target times.
In a response, Mr McDougall said: "It is for Ofcom, as the independent regulator for the postal sector, to set and monitor Royal Mail’s service standards and to collect and analyse quality of service data.
"Ofcom monitors Royal Mail’s performance closely against its delivery targets and can take enforcement action where failures are identified. Royal Mail publishes its quality of service results, providing information on delivery performance against these targets, on a quarterly and annual basis."