Consignia reports improved delivery figures

CONSIGNIA, the former Post Office, reported improved delivery figures yesterday, but the industry watchdog claimed that they masked “unacceptable performance” in several areas, particularly London.

In the three months to September, the group delivered 90.7 per cent of first class letters the following day, still below its national target of 92.1 per cent. But in many areas of London it fell well below the nationwide figures.

Postwatch, the industry watchdog, said 17 of the 20 worst performing postcode areas were in or around London, with east London achieving only 80.9 per cent next-day delivery.

Bradford, Sheffield and Sunderland were the best performing areas, achieving 94 per cent or more next-day deliveries.

Peter Carr, chairman of Postwatch, said about 2.5 million letters were still arriving late every day.

“Although there have been improvements, customers continue to receive a third-rate service. The Hebrides enjoys a better service than 10 London postcodes,” he said.

The figures were released the day after the Government decided not to renew the contract of Neville Bain, Consignia’s chairman, because the group’s service was “simply not good enough”.

Daily Telegraph