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REGULATION OF THE UK POSTAL SERVICES SECTOR

The UK's independent postal regulator, Postcomm (the Postal Services Commission), was established in accordance with the Postal Services Act 2000. Its primary duty being to act to ensure the provision of the universal postal service. Subject to this primary duty, Postcomm is required to exercise its functions in the manner which it considers is best calculated to further the interests of postal services, wherever appropriate, by promoting effective competition between postal operators. It does this, amongst other ways, by making recommendations to the Government about the size and scope of the regulated area, and by licensing postal operators to compete with Royal Mail Group plc within the regulated area.

The regulator operates a licensing regime for the area of the market broadly equivalent to the Royal Mail's former statutory monopoly (items weighing 350 grams or less, or items costing £1 or less). On the 1st January 2006 the UK's mail market was fully liberalised – that is, opened up for competition. This means Royal Mail no longer enjoys the statutory monopoly it held for 350 years. New operators licensed by Postcomm can now collect and deliver any mail, from any customers.

Tell me more about
>> Postcomm - key responsibilities

>> The Universal Postal Service

>> Introduction of competition

>> Licensed postal operators

If you have any questions on licensing or regulation of UK postal services you should contact Postcomm.

Postcomm
Address - Hercules House, 6 Hercules Road, London SE1 7DB
Telephone - 020 7593 2100
Fax - 020 7593 2142
Website - http://www.psc.gov.uk/