Since being re-elected in May, I have continued to receive complaints from constituents about Royal Mail services across Inverclyde.
Whilst local postal workers work incredibly hard in challenging circumstances, residents regularly tell me about delayed deliveries and letters arriving days late.
For many people, particularly older residents, those with health conditions and people who are not confident using digital technology, the postal service remains an essential part of everyday life.
Important documents, medical appointments, financial information, and personal correspondence still depend on a reliable mail network. Only last week, it was reported that some local students received their exam results on the Wednesday, a full 24 hours after other students.
It is therefore concerning that delivery performance continues to fall short of the standards that the public has every right to expect.
Royal Mail has faced repeated scrutiny from Ofcom over missed delivery targets, with investigations and financial penalties highlighting ongoing problems within the service. At a time when households and organisations rely on dependable communication, confidence in the postal network has been undermined.
These concerns have been heightened by recent reports that Royal Mail is set to increase the price of its wholesale postal services by an average of 25 per cent, with some services rising by as much as a third. The increases, due to take effect from October, will affect large organisations and bulk-mail customers that handle letters on behalf of bodies including the NHS and HMRC.
According to an article from The Guardian, the NHS spent at least £100 million on postal correspondence in 2024. I suspect this figure refers to the NHS in England; however, I understand the NHS in Scotland uses this service too.
A substantial increase in mailing costs could therefore add millions of pounds to public sector budgets that are already under considerable pressure. Appointment letters, test results and other important healthcare communications still reach patients through the post, meaning higher costs could have consequences well beyond Royal Mail itself.
Royal Mail argues that declining letter volumes, alongside rising fuel and labour costs, have increased the financial challenge of maintaining the UK's universal postal network. While these pressures are real, many customers will understandably question why prices are rising at the same time as concerns continue about service standards.
People do not object to paying a fair price for a quality service. What they rightly expect is that higher costs should be matched by improved reliability and performance. Whether it is a constituent waiting for important documents, a local business depending on customer communications, or our NHS ensuring that patients receive appointment information on time, the postal service must remain dependable.
I will continue raising constituents' concerns and pressing for improvements. Communities across Inverclyde deserve a postal service that is affordable, accountable and capable of meeting the needs of the people and organisations who rely upon it every day.