LICHFIELD'S MP has led a group of more than 100 parliamentary colleagues calling for tougher action on Royal Mail after "persistent complaints" about postal delays.
In a joint letter to the communications regulator Ofcom, the group expressed frustration at the continued failure to meet delivery targets and criticised what they described as the company's unwillingness to acknowledge ongoing issues affecting local communities.
The intervention comes as Royal Mail remains under scrutiny over its performance against the Universal Service Obligation, which sets minimum standards for postal deliveries across the UK.
Lichfield MP Dave Robertson said:
"Too many residents are continuing to experience unacceptable postal delays, often with serious consequences.
"Constituents regularly contact me about important letters arriving days or even weeks late, including medical appointments, legal documents and financial correspondence.
"While reforms to the Universal Service Obligation are intended to help improve performance, they will only be effective if Royal Mail is honest about the problems that communities are facing and works constructively to address them."
The letter highlights concerns raised by both residents and postal workers who have reported ongoing challenges at local delivery offices and identified practical measures that could help improve services.
Despite this, MPs say Royal Mail's senior leadership has repeatedly insisted that there are no significant problems in their constituencies.
Mr Robertson added:
"One of the most frustrating aspects of this issue is the disconnect between what residents and postal workers are telling us and what Royal Mail's leadership is prepared to acknowledge.
"When people are missing vital appointments, receiving bills late or facing penalties because their post has not arrived on time, simply claiming there is no problem is not good enough."
The MPs have also questioned whether Ofcom's existing enforcement approach is delivering results, noting that Royal Mail has faced repeated financial penalties for missed performance targets while service standards remain below expectations.
In their letter, they urge the regulator to take a stronger role in ensuring the company engages seriously with concerns raised by communities and elected representatives.
The MPs have requested a meeting with Ofcom to discuss what additional action can be taken to improve postal services.
In a separate letter to the Secretary of State, the MPs echo the concerns raised by the Business and Trade Committee, which has concluded that Ofcom is "failing as the statutory regulator".
The committee has warned that if meaningful change is not forthcoming then the Secretary of State should consult on changes to Ofcom's powers.
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