Universal Service - the future of letter deliveries

The Universal Service is the legal requirement for Royal Mail to deliver to all 32 million UK addresses six days a week. But with letter volumes declining from 20 billion down to just 6.7 billion, it is now unsustainable and requires urgent adjustment to the realities of today’s world. Many countries in the world have modernised their Universal Service requirements already.

Ofcom has begun consulting with stakeholders on Universal Service reform, with a specific focus on gaining feedback on Royal Mail’s proposal for change.

Ofcom has said it will reach a final decision in the summer of 2025.

You can have your say and send us questions here - ask.uso@royalmail.com

This page will be regularly updated with relevant information and materials to help you understand why change is needed and what our proposal would mean for you.