Post - the state of the sector in 2023

This briefing reviews the state of the postal sector in 2023. We draw on data and case studies from a range of sources to identify trends across Great Britain over the previous 4 years, with a focus on developments during the last year. 

Our research finds that:

• An increasing number of parcels are being sent and received, but parcel problems have continued to rise post pandemic, with every type of problem having increased since our last report.

• Letters remain important in people’s everyday lives. However, the trend of rapidly increasing stamp prices and falling

  reliability of service over the last 5 years means consumers are paying more for less.

• Large numbers of small businesses are also experiencing postal problems and suffering financial consequences as a result.

• Too many people lack secure access to post in 2023. For those experiencing housing insecurity or domestic abuse, we set out our vision on how a free ‘Address and Collect’ service could provide a lifeline for people

  currently without access to their post.

• Almost everyone uses post offices and people use a wide range of Post Office services. Yet the composition of the Post Office network is changing. With fewer permanent branches and an increasing number of part-time outreaches and slimmed down ‘Drop and Collect’ branches with a limited range of services, we look at the impact on consumers.