BIS select committee evidence submission into competition in the UK postal sector and the universal service obligation

• Written Evidence submitted from the Citizens Advice Service (Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland) to the Business, Innovation & Skills Select Committee into Competition in the UK postal sector and the universal service obligation [ 170 kb]

Continuing evolution of a postal market fulfilling both communications and logistics needs, requires regulatory vigilance and robust oversight to ensure the sustainability of the universal postal service which provides a vital service to consumers. Regulatory action should be taken by Ofcom if a comprehensive review of the evidence at the appropriate time concludes that this is necessary to protect the universal service.

However evidence in the public domain on the sustainability of the universal postal service does not currently point to an immediate material threat from either end to end letters, access mail or parcel delivery services competition.