Postal service changes must not harm rural communities
11th July 2025
Campaigner Countryside Alliance has issued a firm warning following news of Royal Mail’s reduced delivery of second-class letters.
CA warned that Ofcom’s newly announced reforms to Royal Mail’s delivery obligations must not lead to a two-tier postal system that disadvantages rural communities.
Under changes set to take effect from 28th July, Royal Mail will be allowed to reduce second-class letter deliveries to alternate weekdays and will operate under relaxed performance targets.
While Ofcom says the changes are designed to support a more sustainable service and prevent further price hikes, the CA has raised serious concerns about the potential impact of reduced postal delivery on rural communities while reaffirming its unwavering support for the principle of a universal, one-price-goes-anywhere service.
System that disadvantages rural communities
Sarah Lee, director of policy at the Countryside Alliance, said: “We are deeply concerned over the creation of a two-tier postal system that disadvantages rural communities.
“The one-price-goes-anywhere principle is a red line for us. People living and working in the countryside must receive the same level of service and pay the same as those in towns and cities. That is the very foundation of the Universal Service Obligation. These reforms must not erode that.”
In the consultation response earlier this year, the CA highlighted how vital the postal service remains in rural areas, where digital connectivity is often unreliable and many people still rely on the post for essential personal and business communications.
Its survey found that 43% of respondents prefer to communicate by letter, and 40% depend on it for running their household or business.
The CA team added that while they recognise the financial pressures on Royal Mail, any reforms must be accompanied by clear safeguards for rural communities, which often have fewer alternatives and a greater reliance on postal services for everything from receiving medical letters to managing legal and farm documents.
As Ofcom begins a wider review into stamp price affordability, the Countryside Alliance urges policymakers to ensure that rural voices are not ignored and that the Universal Service continues to serve the whole nation equally.
“We’ll continue to stand up for those who live and work in the countryside. Any erosion of the universal postal service is an erosion of rural fairness, and we won’t let that go unchallenged,” Ms Lee concluded.
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