Suffolk MP and CWU on Royal Mail delivery cut plans

Postal service Royal Mail could be allowed to cut its letter deliveries from the current six to five, or even three, a week by industry watchdog Ofcom in an effort to 'modernise' and make the business more sustainable amid slumping demand.

But Dr Dan Poulter, MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, said a six day service was 'vitally important' and spoke of his 'incredible concern' at plans to reduce it.

The potential change comes hot on the heels of Royal Mail's Framlingham sorting office being relocated to Saxmundham permanently, meaning Framlingham residents could have to travel to the neighbouring town to collect parcels.

READ MORE: Framlingham sorting office decision 'beggars belief'

Dr Poulter said: “I am incredibly concerned to learn about the potential for Royal Mail to reduce deliveries from six to either five, or at worst, three days per week.  

"A six day service is vitally important for residents and businesses who often rely on Saturday deliveries and any reduction in service would be detrimental for residents and business across Central Suffolk and North Ipswich.  

"I welcome the Government’s commitment to ensure that a six day service remains the service standard for Royal Mail.

READ MORE: Suffolk MP's call for sorting office to return after floods

Dr Dan Poulter said the six day a week service was 'vitally important' to Suffolk residents and businesses (Image: Archant)“We are already seeing a reduced service in Framlingham due to the temporary relocation."

David Caull, Suffolk branch secretary of the Communication Workers Union (CWU), which represents postal workers, said a reduction in service would particularly hit elderly residents in the county.

He highlighted how older people relied on post workers to deliver thousands of NHS letters every day with information about appointments and operations, but a reduction in the number of deliveries could potentially cause delays that threaten their health.

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"The people that are going to be impacted the most will obviously be the older residents and the people without email access. They are going to suffer more than other people.

"We have a lot of elderly residents in Suffolk and we have a large community in Suffolk that are going to be impacted," Mr Caull said.

He also warned of job losses among the 900 postal workers in Suffolk.

"We are stunned by the news and we are waiting for more information at the moment. We are concerned for our members in Suffolk," he added.

Two 'primary options' are being mooted by Ofcom - to reduce the number of days in which letters are delivered or to slow down deliveries.

If the first option is pursued, which could save between £100 million and £650 million, the Government would need to change the law to make it happen.