Residents across Gloucestershire have reported post delays of up to three weeks, sparking concern among local councillors who are urging Royal Mail to improve its service. A Royal Mail representative is set to be invited to present to Tewkesbury Borough councillors following numerous complaints about slow deliveries.
Earlier this year, Royal Mail announced a £500 million investment aimed at enhancing service quality over the next five years. Despite this, councillors described recent service levels as “terrible” during a meeting on 29 September, highlighting issues that have persisted for years. The postal service responded by stating they are actively recruiting to ease staffing pressures.
Some councillors noted problems so severe that even council agenda papers had not arrived by post before meetings. Conservative councillor Paul McLain, who introduced the motion for action, emphasised that the criticism is not directed at postal workers themselves. However, he pointed out that last year only 75 per cent of first-class mail was delivered the next day, short of the 93 per cent target and the service has missed national targets over the past five years.
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Councillor McLain highlighted challenges posed by competition from other postal operators, which reportedly benefit from Royal Mail’s infrastructure without contributing to its costs, particularly when delivering parcels to less profitable areas. Recruitment difficulties were noted as a key issue, with numerous vacancies across the region, including in Tewkesbury, Gloucester, Stroud, Dursley, Cirencester, Tetbury, Cheltenham, and Bristol.
Opposition councillor Sarah Hands shared residents’ experiences, stating some have not received mail for three weeks and when it arrives, it often consists of large volumes of outdated correspondence, including important documents such as doctor’s appointments. She proposed inviting Royal Mail representatives to brief councillors on operational issues.
Independent councillor Charlotte Mills reported actively assisting elderly residents in Brockworth who are missing mail deliveries, stressing the impact on those without internet access. Councillors also reported lacking postal service consistency in certain areas, with some places having no regular postman.
The council unanimously backed a motion to write to the MPs representing Tewkesbury, Forest of Dean, and North Cotswolds, urging parliamentary attention to postal service declines.
A Royal Mail spokesperson acknowledged ongoing resourcing pressures due to vacancies and sickness absence, affirming that recruitment is underway. They confirmed deliveries continue daily, though some individual routes may experience less frequent service. Latest figures indicate 84.4 per cent of first-class mail in the GL postcode area is delivered the next working day.
The company maintains regular communication with local representatives to address community concerns and encourages stakeholders to promote current job opportunities in their areas.