Concern has been raised in Hornchurch and Upminster after post delivery rates for first-class letters fell way below the regulator's national target.

Just 65.6 per cent of first-class letters were delivered on time in Hornchurch and Upminster in the third quarter of 2023/24 - far below communications regulator Ofcom's 93pc target, a Citizens' Advice survey found.

The constituency's MP Julia Lopez will be submitting concerns to Ofcom about the postal service, especially in the Upminster area, according to her office.

Ofcom added that it was "very concerned" about Royal Mail's performance and has asked the company to explain how it will improve its service.

“Royal Mail’s performance is clearly well short of where it should be," an Ofcom spokesperson said. 

"We’re already preparing to carry out an assessment of its performance after it has reported for the whole financial year, and won’t hesitate to take enforcement action if required," they added.

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Royal Mail must deliver and collect letters six days a week, and parcels five days a week, at an affordable and uniform price throughout the UK, Ofcom states on its website.

The company, separate from the Post Office which oversees regional branches rather than delivering letters, admitted that some deliveries have been impacted by "high levels" of sick absence and office vacancies.

“We would reassure customers that the vast majority of letters in the area are delivered on time," a Royal Mail spokesperson said.

“Sickness has reduced and we are pleased to say that the situation is improving locally," they added.

After Hornchurch and Upminster fell way below the Ofcom target, Ms Lopez expanded a short survey on banking services in the area to include a question about Royal Mail's efficiency.

Ofcom said it measures Royal Mail's performance against annual delivery targets from April to March.

Ms Lopez's petition, in which she called for a banking hub to help people access in-person services, remains open to feedback.

You can access and complete the survey at julialopez.co.uk/news/mp-calls-residents-help-local-banking-campaign.