Royal Mail faces scrutiny as 219 million letters arrive late despite rising stamp prices

"According to the latest data, only 74.9 per cent of First Class letters have been delivered within the next-day target so far this year - significantly below the 93 per cent regulatory requirement set by the UK communications regulator Ofcom. If this performance continues for the remainder of the year, the shortfall will translate into around 126 million First Class letters being delivered late, equivalent to roughly one quarter of all items sent using the service."

"Royal Mail has highlighted that 92.1 per cent of overall mail is delivered on time, but critics argue this headline figure masks serious underperformance in the premium First Class service. The performance gap has drawn particular attention because the price of a First Class stamp is due to rise again next month to £1.80, almost three times the cost a decade ago."

"Royal Mail has been accused by MPs and consumer groups of allowing service quality to deteriorate while focusing more heavily on its more profitable parcels business. Critics argue that the rising cost of postage sits uneasily alongside declining service reliability."

Royal Mail is under increased scrutiny due to poor delivery performance despite rising stamp prices. Analysis shows approximately 126 million First Class letters and 93 million Second Class letters are expected to miss delivery targets this year. First Class performance stands at only 74.9 percent against a 93 percent regulatory requirement, while Second Class also underperforms standards. Royal Mail claims 92.1 percent overall on-time delivery, but critics argue this masks serious underperformance in premium services. The situation intensifies as First Class stamp prices rise to £1.80, nearly triple the cost from a decade ago. MPs and consumer groups accuse Royal Mail of prioritizing profitable parcels over mail service quality.

Read at Business Matters