Since the beginning of 2023, Michael has written to Royal Mail on numerous occasions to raise concerns about infrequent and sporadic mail deliveries across Surrey Heath.
For the past several months, a number of constituents from Camberley, Old Dean, Frimley, Frimley Green, Mytchett, Deepcut and Tongham have continued to be affected by a poor service from Royal Mail, and Royal Mail has explained previously that they are experiencing issues due to high levels of staff sickness which has led to disruption to deliveries.
LATEST UPDATE: 6th December 2023
Michael Gove MP held a virtual meeting with Royal Mail executives regarding the ongoing issue of delays to postal deliveries across Surrey Heath. Commenting, Michael said:
"On Wednesday, I had a virtual meeting with Royal Mail regarding the ongoing issue of delays to postal deliveries across Surrey Heath. I spoke with David Gold, Director of External Affairs and Policy, and Chez Bondonno, Operational Performance Lead for the GU area.
"They are conscious that the team at Camberley Delivery Office has been understaffed for some time, particularly due to challenges with ill-health, but they are going all out to boost staffing levels to improve the service to customers. Vacancies at Camberley Delivery Office can be found at jobs.royalmailgroup.com/
"They also assured me that the Camberley team is working very hard to increase turnround, and that the situation is improving, despite the significant increase in mail at this time of year, particularly parcels.
"Royal Mail is well aware of strains on the system, and I understand that parcels need to be prioritised, due to various reasons with capacity and health and safety, in order to ensure the system can continue to operate.
"I will, of course, continue to monitor the situation, and if you are experiencing any issues with deliveries in Surrey Heath, please let me know by emailing: [email protected]"
19th October 2023
Despite Royal Mail having recognised that they have been underperforming in Surrey Heath, and promising to make positive changes to improve their service, disappointingly, constituents are still reporting to Michael Gove MP that they are experiencing significant delays with deliveries. Michael has again written to Royal Mail to ask for a further update.
Camberley Delivery Office is still struggling with a large number of colleagues being away from work through sickness, however, Royal Mail are in the process of recruiting more postmen and women to fill these vacancies.
26th September 2023
Michael Gove MP wrote again to Royal Mail for an update on the progress made to improve services at the Camberley Delivery Office.
1st September 2023
Michael Gove MP visited the Camberley delivery office to speak with management about the problems they are experiencing, particularly with unprecedented levels of staff illness, and to hear about the positive changes they are making to improve their service.
17th August 2023
Michael Hogg replied to Michael Gove MP to outline reasons for why the service from Royal Mail in recent months has been poor, with a lack of staff available to undertake deliveries.
4th August 2023
Michael wrote again to Michael Hogg to express his concerns about the ongoing complaints he is receiving from constituents, and requested a meeting as soon as possible.
10th July 2023
Michael Hogg, Senior Public Affairs Manager at Royal Mail, responds to Michael Gove with further information about mail deliveries in Old Dean.
