Focus group urges regulatory change in UK

Consumer Focus, the UK government-funded consumer champion – which took on the role of Energywatch, Postwatch and the National Consumer Council – has added its voice to calls by the postal industry to bring forward regulatory change as matter of urgency.

Consumer Focus, the UK government-funded consumer champion – which took on the role of Energywatch, Postwatch and the National Consumer Council – has added its voice to calls by the postal industry to bring forward regulatory change as matter of urgency.

The government must end the uncertainty hanging over the postal sector following the shelving of the Postal Services Bill, Consumers Focus said today.

In a letter to Lord Mandelson, the consumer champion has called on the government to introduce a new Bill to push forward its proposed regulatory changes – including making Ofcom the regulator – regardless of whether or not the sale of a minority stake in Royal Mail goes ahead.

Larry Whitty, chairman, Consumer Focus, said: “Consumer Focus has always maintained a neutral view on the partnership proposal, but thinks that the regulatory limbo affecting the postal sector will start affecting consumers if uncertainty continues.

”Plans to reform postal regulations have been on hold for too long. The longer it takes the greater the risk of slipping standards.

”Royal Mail and other operators need certainty so they can modernise and continue to fund the universal postal service. The government cannot put postal regulation on hold while it waits for market conditions to improve.

”If the government does not proceed with a new short Bill to transfer responsibility to Ofcom, it must ensure that the existing regulator, Postcomm, is properly resourced and supported in its role.”