Stamp of approval for neighbour post

THE postal watchdog is to ask the public if the Royal Mail can expand a scheme allowing mail to be left with a neighbour if no-one is at home.

Ofcom wants the Royal Mail to have greater flexibility. Currently, it is the only UK postal operator not allowed to deliver to a neighbour, rather than an addressee.

The move would avoid larger items of post or letters and packets which have to be signed for, being returned to a Royal Mail office to await collection. The consultation closes on 24 August.

A Consumer Focus spokesman said: “Today consumers post fewer letters, but parcel volumes are rising as we order more goods online. Royal Mail is right to see delivery to neighbours as one way to make life easier for customers.”