SCRUTINY DELIVERS VERDICT ON POSTAL SERVICE

23 November 2005

Camden Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Commission last week (Thursday 17 November 2005) urged Royal Mail to continue to improve postal deliveries across the borough. It made the call after a special meeting of the commission, which was set up to investigate recent delivery problems in Camden.

At the meeting, councillors heard from the Royal Mail, the postal watchdog Postwatch and the Communications Workers Union about the postal service in the borough. They also received over 70 written submissions from residents and businesses in Camden and residents who attended also cross-examined and voiced their concerns to Royal Mail.

All the people giving evidence told the commission how they felt many of the recent problems were linked to introduction of the new single delivery. This led to later deliveries and bigger rounds that postal staff were unable to complete in one go. Residents also experienced a poorer service from casual workers, who would not have the same knowledge of delivery routes.

Cllr Janet Guthrie, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Commission, said: “Many people rely on the postal service and quite understandably get extremely distressed when it’s late or they fear their mail has gone missing. I believe it’s always worth complaining when things go wrong and I’d like to thank the Royal Mail for coming and listening all the concerns raised here. I am happy to hear that the Royal Mail has made significant improvements in terms of delivering mail on time and to the right addresses.”

At the meeting, the Royal Mail announced that it no longer needed to rely on casual staff in Camden, and it was also introducing three extra delivery routes in NW3, which was one of the worst affected areas. Postwatch reported that they had undertaken a study into deliveries in Kentish Town following complaints about mis-deliveries. Postwatch promised to report back on the plan agreed with Royal Mail to address the issues that come out of the study. Royal Mail also got the Overview and Scrutiny Commission’s backing for help to find more places where mail could be stored to speed up delivery workers’ rounds, and help gaining access to council properties.

Cllr Guthrie added: “We want to see these improvements continue and we will help the Royal Mail were we can. We will recommend that the council look at how we can help delivery staff complete their rounds more quickly and effectively. That includes gaining access to the council’s housing estates and securing places for Royal Mail staff to store mail. We will also closely monitor what happens over the coming year and any complaints our residents have. I am particularly keen to ensure the delivery of polling cards in the forthcoming local elections goes smoothly.”

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