Bill · started in the Lords
Postal Services Bill [HL]
To make provision for the restructuring of the Royal Mail group and about the Royal Mail Pension Plan; to make new provision about the regulation of postal services; and for connected purposes.
In progress
Current stage: 2nd reading (Commons)
The story so farThe Postal Services Bill was introduced in the House of Lords on 25 February 2009 by Lord Mandelson (Labour). It is now at second reading in the House of Commons. Second reading is the first debate on the overall principle of the bill; if the bill clears it, detailed committee scrutiny follows.
What the bill does
<p><br>The Bill provides for the restructuring of Royal Mail Group Ltd, changes in the Royal Mail Pension Plan, and a change in the regulation of postal services.</p><p>Key areas</p><ul><li>Makes provision to ensure Royal Mail Group Ltd and Post Office Limited remain in public ownership, while allowing for a sale of a minority stake in Royal Mail</li><li>Introduces changes to the Royal Mail Pension Plan, including the transfer of Royal Mail’s historic pension deficit to the Government </li><li>Establishes a new regulatory regime for the postal services sector, including transferring regulatory responsibility from Postcomm to the Office of Communications (OFCOM), with the primary duty of OFCOM in relation to postal services being to maintain the universal service. </li></ul><p> </p>
Progress through Parliament
- 1st reading Lords 25 Feb 2009
- 2nd reading Lords 10 Mar 2009
- Committee stage Lords 24 Mar to 27 Apr 2009
- Report stage Lords 11 May 2009
- 3rd reading Lords 20 May 2009
- 1st reading Commons 21 May 2009
- 2nd reading Commons Current
Source: the official bill page. Last updated 13 Nov 2009.