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Postal Delays Threaten May 7 Local Elections, MPs Warn
MPs are warning that Royal Mail delays could threaten local elections scheduled for May 7. Approximately six million people voted by post in the last election, accounting for more than a third of all votes cast.
MPs have cautioned that ongoing postal delays could undermine the integrity of local elections slated for May 7. Royal Mail is projected to deliver nearly 220 million letters late this year, including 126 million first-class letters, despite increased stamp prices. Members of Parliament have reported that delayed mail is negatively affecting constituents. One MP, Robbie Moore, cited a case where a pensioner waited over two weeks for a new bank card, preventing her access to her pension and groceries. Another constituent undergoing chemotherapy missed a vital hospital appointment due to a 10-day delay in receiving a letter.
Key Facts
- MPs are concerned that Royal Mail delays may threaten the May 7 local elections.
- Approximately 220 million letters are expected to be delivered late by Royal Mail this year.
- 126 million of the late letters are first class.
- Six million people voted by post in the last election.
- Postal votes accounted for more than a third of all votes cast.
- One MP reported a pensioner waited over two weeks for a bank card.
- Another constituent missed a chemotherapy appointment due to delayed mail.