UNIVERSAL SERVICE THREAT TO ANGUS DELIVERIES

Angus MP, Mike Weir, has reacted angrily to a threat to cut back Royal Mail’s obligation to deliver letters anywhere in the UK for the same price.  Mr Weir’s reaction came after Royal Mail demanded the right to end universal deliveries of business mail at concessionary rates.

Mr Weir who has been a long opponent of the Government’s privatisation of postal services said:

“The threat to the centuries old, Universal Service Obligation, has resulted from the ridiculous way the Government brought in the privatisation of postal services.

“If Royal Mail are given permission to end the Universal Service Obligation, such a move will force companies to pay more to send bills and other letters to remote areas such as the Angus Glens.

“The Universal Service Obligation is vital to rural Scotland and we cannot allow it to be diluted in this way.  It will lead to higher costs for constituents and is completely unacceptable and I will be taking this up with the Department of Trade & Industry as a matter of urgency.

“The Universal Service Obligation must be sacrosanct.”