Problems with post

This information applies to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

If you don't get the level of service you were expecting from your postal provider, you may be able to claim compensation. You can also make a complaint. For example, you can claim compensation if your letters arrive very late, are damaged or don't arrive at all.

Your postal provider is usually the Royal Mail. You can find out how to claim compensation from the Royal Mail at: www.royalmail.com, or phone them on 08457 740 740.

You can get information about how to make a complaint to your postal provider from the website of the consumer watchdog, Consumer Focus at: www.consumerfocus.org.uk.

You can also get information and advice about problems with post from Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06, or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.

Stopping unwanted post

If you want to stop receiving direct mail from UK-based firms, you can register free with the Mailing Preference Service (MPS). This should stop you getting post addressed to you from firms you have not previously had business with.

The service does not cover all direct mailings. You will continue to get mail from companies you have previously used and from charities you have given donations to in the past. You will also still receive items addressed to The Occupier.

Registration with the MPS covers everyone in your household with the same surname. However, a member of your household can choose to continue to receive direct mail addressed to them.

You can also choose to continue to receive mail about subjects that interest you.

Once you have registered, it can take up to four months for unwanted mail to stop being delivered. If you continue to receive mail after this time you should complain to the MPS complaints department. For more details contact:

Mailing Preference Service

Freepost 29 LON20771
London
W1E OZT.

Registration line: 0845 703 4599
E- mail: mps@dma.org.uk
Website: www.mpsonline.org.uk

Royal Mail Door to Door Opt Outs

The Royal Mail has an opt out service for unaddressed mail, although it will still deliver mail addressed to The Occupier. The opt out will not cover mail delivered by other mail delivery companies.

Once you have registered, it should take up to six weeks for unwanted mail to stop being delivered, To register for the opt out service, go to the Royal Mail website at www.royalmail.com. Or you can email your name and address to: optout@royalmail.com.

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