Postcomm today began a 30-day consultation on the proposed issue of a long-term licence to Special Mail Services Ltd (SMS) to provide bulk mail and consolidated mail services.
In September 2002 SMS took over the business of Special Delivery Services Ltd (SDS). SDS held an interim licence, which was restricted to a pilot scheme of a minimum of 12 months’ duration.. The new SMS standard licence will have a minimum life of seven years.
The consultation document and text of the proposed licence can be found on Postcomm’s website www.psc.gov.ukPrinted copies are available from Postcomm at 6 Hercules Road London SE1 7DB.
Notes for editors
Today’s document says that Postcomm is minded, subject to consultation, to grant a licence to SMS. 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. Postcomm has also agreed with SMS to revoke the interim licence currently held in SDS’s name. We will shortly serve a notice to this effect.
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
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Further the interests of users wherever appropriate through competition
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License postal operators
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Control Royal Mail’s prices and quality of service
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Give advice to government on the future of the post office network.
Postcomm’s policies are steered by a board of eight commissioners, headed by the chairman, Nigel Stapleton.
More information
Chris Webb
T 020 7593 2114
M 07779 635881
chris.webb@psc.gov.uk
Joseph Bonner
T 020 7593 2116
M 07773 329902
joseph.bonner@psc.gov.uk.
Jonathan Rooper
T 020 7766 1210
Pager 07693 352732
jonathan.rooper@cardewchancery.com
