Royal Mail is currently facing significant delivery delays affecting several areas in Merseyside. This disruption extends across various regions in the UK, including locations in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Delivery Delays in Merseyside: Impacted Areas
On April 13, 2026, Royal Mail reported that service disruptions are impacting the delivery of letters and parcels to 51 postcode regions. Notable locations experiencing delays include:
- New Ferry (CH32, CH62, CH63)
- Prenton (CH43)
The postal company typically aims to deliver six days a week. However, factors such as high levels of sick absence and local resourcing issues have hindered service in some areas. Royal Mail has stated that they are working to minimize individual delays by rotating deliveries wherever feasible.
Response to Customer Concerns
Royal Mail’s management has acknowledged the inconvenience caused by these delays. Daniel Kretinsky, the owner, expressed regret for late deliveries while addressing members of Parliament. He defended the company’s performance, stating it is “not perfect, but it is not catastrophic.”
In addition, customers have been facing increased stamp costs, with First Class stamps now priced at £1.80, up from 76p in 2020. This rise is attributed to higher delivery expenses and a decrease in letter volumes amid a growing number of addressed homes.
Statistics on Stamp Prices and Delivery
| Stamp Type | Current Price | Price in 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| First Class | £1.80 | £0.76 |
| Second Class | £0.91 | N/A |
Richard Travers, managing director of letters at Royal Mail, noted that the average UK adult spends approximately £6.50 a year on stamps. He also highlighted that the volume of letters sent has decreased by 70% over the last two decades, even as the number of delivery addresses has increased significantly.
List of Affected Postcodes
In addition to New Ferry and Prenton, here are other regions experiencing delays:
- Aldridge DO (WS9)
- Banbury DO (OX15 – OX17)
- Barry DO (CF62, CF63)
- Brierley Hill DO (DY5)
- Deeside DO (CH5)
- Dudley DO (DY1 – DY3)
- Fareham DO (PO14 – PO17)
- Farnborough DO (GU14)
- Fleet DO (GU51, GU52)
- Garforth DO (LS25, LS26)
- Kingswood DO (BS15, BS30)
- Leiston DO (IP15, IP16)
- Lichfield DO (WS7, WS13, WS14)
- Nuneaton DO (CV10, CV11, CV13)
- Oxford East DO (OX3, OX4, OX33, OX44, OX49)
- Petersfield DO (GU31 – GU33)
- Pontyclun DO (CF72)
- Selsey SUDO (PO20)
- Stone DO (ST15)
- Sunbury On Thames DO (TW16)
- Wellingborough DO (NN8, NN9, NN29)
- West Mersea SUDO (CO5)
- Yate DO (BS37)
Royal Mail is actively working to restore its service quality and appreciates the understanding of its customers during this challenging period.
