'Stop this spiral of decline': Ipswich artist battles Royal Mail cuts

Why it matters: The proposed changes would affect over a million households and small businesses. Ofcom has begun consultation on plans to require Royal Mail to deliver second-class letters only on alternate weekdays and end Saturday deliveries.

The big picture: Louise Richardson, founder of Two For Joy Illustration, is backing a petition from the UK's Greeting Card Association demanding greater parliamentary scrutiny of the postal service changes. Letter volumes have fallen from 20 billion in 2004-05 to 6.6 billion last year.

By the numbers:

• First-class stamps rose from 85p to £1.65 since 2022

• Second-class stamps increased from 66p to 85p in the same period

• The changes could save Royal Mail between £250m and £425m

• The UK greeting card industry is worth £1.5bn

What they're saying: "These proposals will impact small businesses like mine and millions of customers who demand a Royal Mail service that's national, reliable and affordable," Richardson said.

"It's time for MPs to get involved and stop this spiral of decline which could ultimately result in Royal Mail calling time on an affordable second-class stamp and increase costs for businesses and consumers alike."

The details: Ofcom has begun consultation on reforming the Universal Service Obligation as people send fewer letters while stamp prices keep rising. The regulator has proposed:

• Reducing first-class delivery targets from 93% to 90%

• Dropping second-class three-day delivery targets from 98.5% to 95%

• No changes to parcel deliveries under the new proposals

The other side: "Our postmasters and customers, particularly those who are vulnerable, do not want to see a reduction in the Universal Service Obligation," said a Post Office spokesperson. "The proposals announced today put more pressure on communities who are already facing tough trading conditions."

The bottom line: Royal Mail and Ofcom can implement these proposals without government intervention, bypassing parliamentary scrutiny. The petition calls for legislative changes to require parliamentary oversight of any alterations to Royal Mail's Universal Service Obligation.