Postcomm today began a consultation on the proposed issue of a long term licence to Mail Plus Ltd to provide bulk mail and consolidation services. The consultation document and text of the proposed licence can be found on Postcomm’s website www.psc.gov.uk. Printed copies are available from Postcomm at 6 Hercules Road London SE1 7DB. The closing date for responses is 6 January 2005
Notes for editors
Today’s document says that Postcomm is minded, subject to consultation, to grant a licence to Mail Plus. 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. If issued, the licence will contain a requirement for Mail Plus to maintain separate accounts for its UK licensed business to show that it is not being unfairly cross-subsidised by its parent company, La Poste. 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:
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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 seven commissioners, headed by the chairman, Nigel Stapleton. More details are on Postcomm’s website, www.postcomm.gov.uk.
More information
Chris Webb
T 020 7593 2114
M 07779 635881
chris.webb@psc.gov.uk.
Jeremy Cuthbert
T 020 7593 2115
M 07966 528383
jeremy.cuthbert@psc.gov.uk
