<\/p>
The universal postal service is protected in primary legislation \u2013 the Postal Services Act 2011. Under the Act, Parliament has established the minimum requirements of the universal service \u2013 which include letter deliveries 6 days a week at a uniform and affordable rate throughout the UK. Only Parliament can change the minimum requirements.<\/p>
<\/p>
Government has ensured that ongoing protection of the universal service is at the heart of the regulatory regime by giving Ofcom the primary statutory duty to secure the provision of the universal service and to this end Ofcom must have regard for the financial sustainability of the universal service.<\/p>
<\/p>
Ofcom has put in place a comprehensive monitoring regime that tracks the financial sustainability of the universal service and Parliament has ensured that the regulator has the powers and tools it needs to intervene in the market if the provision of the universal service is ever at risk.<\/p>
<\/p>
The steps we have taken to reform the regulatory framework coupled with securing access to the much needed private capital for Royal Mail, as the designated Universal Service Provider, are the best way to safeguard the future of a sustainable universal postal service in the UK.<\/p>
<\/p>
<\/p>
<\/p>
<\/strong><\/p> <\/p>"}
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