MP Chris Coghlan calls Royal Mail delays in Surrey “shocking,” blaming missed NHS appointments, fines, and tax penalties on late mail in RH postcode.
Postal Delays Stir Public Outcry in Surrey
Surrey residents in the RH postcode area are facing mounting frustration as persistent Royal Mail delivery delays lead to missed medical appointments, late tax notices, and increased penalty fines. The issue has prompted Chris Coghlan, Liberal Democrat MP for Dorking and Horley, to demand accountability from both Royal Mail and the regulatory body OFCOM.
According to Coghlan, only 72.3% of first-class mail in the RH postcode is delivered on time—well below the national target of 93%. “These missed targets are shocking,” said the MP, “and they’re costing people money and affecting essential services.”
Community Impact Hits Health, Finances
Constituents across Dorking, Horley, Oxted, and Reigate report serious consequences due to the delays. Several have missed vital NHS appointments after receiving notices after the scheduled dates. Others say they were charged late fees on tax bills or had parking fines increase by 50% due to overdue penalty letters.
Coghlan highlighted the human and financial toll of the issue, adding: “This isn’t just about inconvenience—it’s wasting NHS resources and putting people at financial risk.”
MP Pushes for Regulatory Intervention
Coghlan, elected in 2024, has raised the matter repeatedly with Royal Mail but says improvements have been negligible. He’s now calling for OFCOM to intervene and hold Royal Mail accountable for what he calls a “failing service.”
“This saga has been going on for years,” he said. “People are rightly sick of it. OFCOM must step in and ensure proper oversight to protect the public from these unacceptable delays.”
Royal Mail Responds with National Data
In response to the criticism, a Royal Mail spokesperson acknowledged the service shortfall but emphasized that most first-class letters in the UK still arrive promptly. “Across the UK, 92.3% of first-class letters arrive within two days,” they said. “We’re working hard to improve our quality of service in Dorking and Horley.”
The spokesperson also urged residents facing delays to report them directly so issues can be investigated. They noted that delays lasting multiple weeks are not being reported by local delivery offices.
Looking Ahead: Calls for Change
As public dissatisfaction grows, pressure mounts on both Royal Mail and its regulators to implement lasting reforms. Coghlan reiterated his commitment to holding both parties accountable, saying: “It’s time for a delivery system that meets the basic expectations of the people it serves.”
For now, residents are left hoping that their mail—and the response to their complaints—arrives sooner rather than later.
