Why the Universal Service Obligation Matters to Us All

The Universal Service Obligation (USO) is a cornerstone of the UK’s postal service. It ensures that all parts of the country—no matter how rural or remote—receive equal access to affordable and reliable postal services.

For communities in the Highlands and Islands, the USO isn’t just a convenience; it’s a lifeline. This was shown recently with a huge response to a Greetings Card Association led petition to call for parliamentary scrutiny of any changes to the USO.

Recently, Ofcom conducted a consultation on the future of the USO, but alarmingly, it seems that very few people were aware of it—and even fewer responded. In fact, not a single response came from the Highlands and Islands, an area that relies heavily on this service.

This lack of engagement raises serious questions about the viability of Ofcom’s consultation process and whether it truly reflects the views of those most affected by potential changes to the postal service.

To raise these concerns, I’ve written to the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, who oversees Ofcom, asking for a review of the consultation process and for greater efforts to engage with rural communities. Copies of my letter have also been sent to the Chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee and Ofcom itself. I’m sharing my letter here to raise awareness of this critical issue and encourage others to act.

What You Can Do to Help Protect the USO

This issue affects all of us, but especially rural and remote communities. Here are some ways you can help protect the Universal Service Obligation:

1. Write Your Own Letter
   You can write to your local MP, the Secretary of State, or Ofcom to share your concerns. Feel free to use my letter as inspiration.
2. Spread the Word
   Share this blog post on social media or email it to friends, family, and colleagues. The more people who know about this issue, the stronger our collective voice will be.
3. Engage with Local Media
   Contact local newspapers, radio stations, or community groups to ensure this issue gets the attention it deserves.
4. Keep Sending Mail!
   As they say – Use it or Lose it! If we keep sending cards and letters then it shows there is a demand for our Royal Mail Service.
   

Why This Matters

The Universal Service Obligation guarantees more than just post—it guarantees connection, equality, and opportunity for every part of the UK. For rural areas like the Highlands and Islands, it’s a vital service that supports businesses, links families, and keeps communities thriving.

Visual Timeline of the USO

Any changes to the USO could disproportionately harm those who already face challenges of distance and isolation. We cannot allow these voices to be ignored.

Together, we can ensure that Parliament, Ofcom, and the government hear us loud and clear: the Universal Service Obligation must be protected.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Let’s act now to make sure everyone has access to the postal services they deserve.