Tom Gordon: Cutting second class deliveries would be a “slap in the face” for local residents

Tom Gordon, Lib Dem MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has slammed proposals that would allow Royal Mail to significantly cut the deliveries of second class post, including scrapping Saturday delivery and only delivering during the week on alternating days, saying 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.

In recent months, many of Tom’s constituents have been in touch with Tom 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. 

Commenting on the news, 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. 

“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.” 

ENDS