WHAT about this latest impudent humbug from the “Royal” Mail?

“Change to last collection time: In order to improve efficiency we’re reviewing our mail collection arrangements and revising collection times. From 4th Sept 2017 the final collection from this postbox will be made no earlier than 16:15 hrs Monday to Friday.”

I wonder if it is even permitted, under the conditions which Parliament must have imposed on the purchaser of this venerable organisation, to curtail its service in such a way?

This major shift of the timing of the last collection may be tarted up as a contribution to the efficiency of the Royal Mail - what they really mean by “efficiency” is of course “profitability” - but it will not improve the nation’s efficiency, since it has the effect of considerably shortening the working day for all those whose business, whether private or commercial or legal, requires the prompt use of a reliable mail service.

Surely, in those parts of the country where quick letters matter, the day’s final collection ought not to be made until after the end of office hours.

To steal an hour by demanding posting soon after 4pm is to cut the service by 14 per cent.

It might be better to increase RM’s profitability by putting up the price of a First Class stamp by 14 per cent. And perhaps then RM could resume deliveries in time for elevenses.

Roger Lake, Portland Street, York