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Cutting second class deliveries would be a "slap in the face", says local MP

Wednesday, 5 February 2025 07:24

Tom Gordon has slammed plans to cut deliveries of second class post.

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has slammed proposals that would allow Royal Mail to cut the deliveries of second class post.

The plans include scrapping Saturday delivery and only delivering during the week on alternating days.

Mr Gordon said that small businesses will be “dismayed”.

Many residents in Harrogate and Knaresborough rely on postal services, from getting details of a medical appointment, staying on top of their finances or receiving correspondence from loved ones.

Tom said constituents have been in touch to complain of poor or missed deliveries by the Royal Mail, and the "massively increased costs" of second class stamps, which unlike first class, aren’t regulated.

Liberal Democrat MP Tom Gordon said:

“This is a slap in the face for all those who rely on the post. Many residents in Harrogate and Knaresborough will be disappointed about the prospect of cuts to postal services, after facing years of ever rising costs due to mismanagement by Royal Mail executives.

“That it also comes off the back of massive price hikes for second class stamps is an insult to customers. If the price is going up, people should expect an improved service, not be faced with a massive cut."

He added:

“Many small businesses in Harrogate and Knaresborough will also be dismayed by this news. They have already had to endure a crippling National Insurance hike and this would add even more pressure on them.

“We cannot let standards slip even further by lowering delivery targets instead of actually fixing our postal services. These recommendations must be urgently reconsidered.”

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