Postcomm consults on long term licence for UK Mail

Postcomm today began consulting on the proposed issue of a long
term licence to UK Mail Ltd to provide consolidation services for
business customers.
UK Mail Ltd currently holds an interim postal licence for similar services.
This will be revoked by consent if a standard licence – which will last a
minimum of seven years – is granted.
The consultation document and text of the proposed licence can be
found on Postcomm’s website www.postcomm.gov.uk. Printed copies
are available from Postcomm at 6 Hercules Road London SE1 7DB. The
closing date for responses is 29 May 2003.
Notes for editors
Today’s document says that Postcomm is minded, subject to
consultation, to grant a licence to UK Mail. It suggests that the
proposed services will have no appreciable adverse effect on the
provision of a universal service throughout the UK and will further the
interests of users by promoting competition between postal operators.
Consolidation involves the collection and pre-sorting of mail, which is
then passed to Royal Mail for final delivery.
Postcomm – the Postal Services Commission – is an independent regulator. It
has been set up to further the interests of users of postal services. Postcomm’s
main tasks are to:
• Seek to ensure a universal postal service at an affordable uniform tariff
• Further the interests of users wherever appropriate through competition
• License postal operators
• Control Royal Mail’s prices and quality of service
• Give advice to Government on the future of the post office network.
Postcomm’s policies are steered by a board of seven commissioners, headed
by the chairman, Graham Corbett CBE.
More information: Chris Webb Tel 020 7593 2114
Mobile 07779 635881
E chrisw@ukgateway.net