The Act requires Postcomm to ensure the provision of a universal postal service, at a uniform price, throughout the UK.  Postcomm is also charged with promoting effective competition between postal operators where it is in the interest of customers.

All companies or individuals that convey letters weighing less than 350 grams require a Licence from Postcomm. By December 2005 Licences had been granted to15 companies, including Royal Mail Group.

Each licence is legally binding.  Licensees are authorised to convey letters in the UK, subject to compliance with the conditions laid down in their licence.  The conditions include the requirement to abide by postal services’ codes of practice, to provide information to Postcomm and to establish systems for handling complaints.  Uniquely, Royal Mail’s licence also includes obligatory service standards, limits the prices we can charge our customers, and requires us to provide a universal postal service. This section of our website contains a copy of our Operating Licence, and our responses to Postcomm’s proposals for changes to the regulatory framework.