UK Postcomm reviews postcode address file code of practice

Postcomm has published the findings of its first review of the Code of Practice governing changes to the Postcode Address File (PAF) – the list of the postal addresses of all 27 million households throughout the UK, which is maintained by Royal Mail. The Code sets out rules that, among other things, enable people to ask Royal Mail to make changes to parts of their postal address.

The review, which takes account of the views of Royal Mail, Postwatch the consumer watchdog, and 25 other respondents, notes that the Code appears to have worked well so far, but proposes:

• the creation of a fast-track system for customer-initiated change where less than 20 percent of the affected residents object, when contacted by Royal Mail

• a two-year minimum wait before a re-ballot

• the setting of a date for the start of the next normal review in November 2008, and

• a number of minor changes.

At present customer-initiated changes include a ballot of those affected. Where a ballot is called for, the Code requires a minimum turnout of 50 percent of those eligible to vote, and a majority of those voting in favour, in order to make the change.