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Independent review of the postal services sector

The Government announced an Independent Review of the UK postal services sector on the 17th December 2007. The independent panel comprised Richard Hooper (Chair), Dame Deirdre Hutton and Ian Smith. The review looked at changes taking place in the postal and wider communications markets and what the implications of those changes were for the UK postal service, in particular the provision of the universal postal service.

The Review published its final report to Ministers on the 16th December 2008.

• Modernise or decline: policies to maintain the universal postal service in the United Kingdom [Cm 7529] (1932KB)

Before that the Review published its initial response to evidence relating to it's first two terms of reference on the 6th May 2008.

• The challenges and opportunities facing UK postal services: an initial response to evidence  (709KB)

The Panel were very grateful to all those who took the time to respond and contribute to the review process.

Press releases and Ministerial statement

• BERR press release - Lord Mandelson - House of Lords Statement on the future of Royal Mail
  
  
• BERR press release - Government to review postal services sector
  
  
• Written Ministerial statement - postal services market
  
  

Letter to Lord Sawyer

Richard Hooper wrote to Lord Sawyer regarding the concept of access to corporate experience as set out in the Panel's report.

• Letter to Lord Sawyer from Richard Hooper (15 April) about access to corporate experience (548KB)