The Universal Service debate – MPs have their say

Yesterday (13 June) MPs debated the future of the Universal Service Obligation (USO) in a Westminster Hall debate. The full transcript of the debate can be found here.

Several points were made by MPs taking part in the debate, including a general agreement that the USO was a vital part of the postal service, and was particularly important for residents and businesses in more remote parts of the UK.

MPs called for continued protection of the USO, particularly in light of increased competition following liberalisation of the postal market, and in light of falling mail volumes. Calls were also made for a review of the impact of the Postal Services Act 2000, and of the performances of Postcomm and Postwatch.

MPs debated the potential impact of zonal pricing being applied to bulk mail products following Royal Mail’s application to do so; suggesting any moves towards zonal pricing in any form within the postal market may be seen as “chipping away” at the USO.

The debate was secured by Alistair Carmichael MP, and was attended by approximately 15 MPs, including Jim Fitzpatrick, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.