Postal Services Bill

Memorandum submitted by COSLA (PS 22)

Introduction

COSLA is the representative voice of Scottish local government with all 32 Scottish councils in membership. As far as possible, the organisation operates on a cross party, consensus basis in its work to promote and support the interests of member councils.

The organisation’s business is conducted through a number of Executive Groups which cover the full range of council services. Their focus is not on operational level issues but on matters of national, strategic and political significance. In addition to the Executive Groups, there are regular meetings of all Council Leaders and, on a quarterly basis, COSLA’s governing body, the Convention. Leaders’ meetings provide an over-arching political lead for the organisation and deal with key national issues such as budgets etc.

Postal issues fall within the remit of the Regeneration and Sustainable Development Executive Group, chaired by Councillor Alison Hay of Argyll and Bute Council. It would be accurate to say that matters brought to the Group relating to the postal service (most recently the Post Office Diversification Fund proposals) have all generated extensive, lively discussions over the years – all of which point to the importance accorded to the service.

The Bill – COSLA Views

In considering the Bill, members were reassured by commitments given regarding the Government’s intention to:

· preserve the universal postal service; and

· avoid any further programme of post office closures.

The main points identified by the Group are set out in the following paragraphs. Most of these echo points raised by MPs in Parliament during the Bill’s second reading on 27 October.

The retention of the universal postal service is regarded as non-negotiable, as would be any proposal to reduce the current level of service from six days per week. Businesses must be able to rely on a regular, efficient service that meets their needs. Given that there is now only one postal delivery per day, it is essential that the six-day service is retained.

While the need for the injection of capital to allow the Royal Mail to be modernised is recognised, there is a degree of opposition to privatisation which is regarded by some as a step too far. There is unanimity, however, in that any privatisation process should not allow for the ‘cherry picking’ of any particular aspects of the service, so leaving behind the most unprofitable elements to be picked up by any residual body.

In considering the proposals, it was felt that due weight should be given to the important role the Royal Mail and Post Office provides in rural and more isolated areas. As the Committee will be aware, that role is not restricted to the provision of a postal service, but provides a valuable, social link for people and communities distanced from urban conurbations.

Conclusion

The above comments set out COSLA’s current position in relation to the draft Bill. The Bill’s progress through Parliament will be monitored and it may be that additional comments will be submitted in response to any amendments made.

If amplification/additional comment is required in relation to any of the points made, COSLA would be pleased to provide this.

December 2010