SNP MP Martyn Day asked if there will be an assessment of the potential impact on publishers of removing the universal service obligation (USO). In response, Hollinrake said that the Government “is not currently minded to introduce new legislation to change the current obligations on postal deliveries”.

The PPA reached out to Martyn Day – as well as several other MPs – on the issue of the USO and Royal Mail, relating to publishers, asking them to engage this issue in parliament, and there has been ongoing lobbying from the PPA with Ofcom following the Royal Mail’s lack of commitment to the USO.

The PPA is currently in the process of responding to Ofcom’s open consultation, which follows their report on the future of the universal postal service, addressing their options for reforming the service according to changing market conditions and consumers’ needs.

The Government has previously affirmed that they want to maintain the USO and keep six-day deliveries, however, Ofcom and the Royal Mail have maintained the stance that this is not viable. Removing six-day deliveries would affect PPA members who have print subscriptions in their models.

One of Ofcom’s prospective changes to delivery schedules would be to reduce from six-day to five-day deliveries and several magazine businesses have expressed concern with this shift, stating that it would significantly affect their operational models. There are meticulous systems that are set to ensure magazine shipment dates align with publication schedules, making such a change detrimental to their operations.

The Government is disinclined to make changes to the postal service, however, once Ofcom has published their findings from their consultation, there will be clarity on the future of the Royal Mail.

If you have any questions or would like to find out more, contact our Policy and Public Affairs Manager, Eilidh.wilson@ppa.co.uk