Ofcom's 2025 reform lets Royal Mail deliver Second Class letters on alternate weekdays and relaxes targets from 2026-27 to 90% for First Class next day and 95% for Second Class within three days. On 1 June 2026 Ofcom opened an investigation after First Class reached 75.7% against a 93% target in 2025-26, and may impose a penalty. Ofcom expects the new delivery model to be in place by Christmas 2026 and the targets met by April 2027.
Key dates
- Done1 Jun 2026
Ofcom opens investigation into 2025-26 delivery performance Ofcom
- 1 Dec 2026
New delivery model expected to be fully implemented by Christmas 2026 (month only) Ofcom
- 1 Apr 2027
Royal Mail expected to meet the revised targets (month only) Ofcom
Every date of this rule, with what it means for a parcel and what to prepare. If a date moves, your calendar moves with it.
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Who it hits
What to prepare
- Keep a second carrier on key UK lanes through peak 2026 while the new delivery model is rolled out.
- Track Ofcom's findings and any penalty, which may shape service commitments in 2027 contracts.
Our reading
Sources
- Ofcom investigates Royal Mail's 2025/26 delivery performance · Ofcom · 2026-06-01
- Royal Mail performance · House of Commons Library · 2026-06-04
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Information, not legal advice. Dates come from official texts or quality legal and trade press, and slip often: always check the current text before acting. Back to the full radar.