Postal Services Act 2000

[^key-2d9d60f3ee2f99ea5360c56bcba72c64]: Words in s. 113(1)(a) substituted (23.4.2012) by Postal Services Act 2011 (c. 5), s. 93(2)(3), Sch. 12 para. 40(2)(a); S.I. 2012/1095, art. 3(1) (with art. 5)

[^key-9e2b864585cd2377344bb6e57e657f60]: Words in s. 113(1)(b) substituted (23.4.2012) by Postal Services Act 2011 (c. 5), s. 93(2)(3), Sch. 12 para. 40(2)(b); S.I. 2012/1095, art. 3(1) (with art. 5)

[^key-d37ca1b2b6b6dd638f164ccd85d76e40]: Words in s. 113(2) substituted (23.4.2012) by Postal Services Act 2011 (c. 5), s. 93(2)(3), Sch. 12 para. 40(3); S.I. 2012/1095, art. 3(1) (with art. 5)

[^key-f8c27aaacabea2244c20ce7ad6397051]: Words in s. 114(1) substituted (23.4.2012) by Postal Services Act 2011 (c. 5), s. 93(2)(3), Sch. 12 para. 41(2); S.I. 2012/1095, art. 3(1)

[^key-1158405e60e3f43b6a00db6c9345005a]: Words in s. 114(2) substituted (23.4.2012) by Postal Services Act 2011 (c. 5), s. 93(2)(3), Sch. 12 para. 41(3)(a); S.I. 2012/1095, art. 3(1)

[^key-3336ebd4a9f56074873d8c6e83a06d83]: Words in s. 114(2) substituted (23.4.2012) by Postal Services Act 2011 (c. 5), s. 93(2)(3), Sch. 12 para. 41(3)(b); S.I. 2012/1095, art. 3(1)

[^key-7a48112fe0289f2f01775ad6ca07c7cb]: S. 77(2A) inserted (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(4) of the amending S.I.) by The Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors' Report) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1970), reg. 1(2)(3), Sch. para. 27

[^key-c317c5056f62f3f61e7121759e2d1953]: Words in s. 125(1) omitted (1.4.2014) by virtue of The Public Bodies (Abolition of the National Consumer Council and Transfer of the Office of Fair Trading’s Functions in relation to Estate Agents etc) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/631), art. 1(3), Sch. 1 para. 7(4)(a) (with Sch. 1 para. 28, Sch. 2 paras. 13-15)

[^key-9c7504afcadee36abd80c300afe725cf]: Words in s. 125(1) inserted (1.4.2014) by The Public Bodies (Abolition of the National Consumer Council and Transfer of the Office of Fair Trading’s Functions in relation to Estate Agents etc) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/631), art. 1(3), Sch. 1 para. 7(4)(b) (with Sch. 1 para. 28, Sch. 2 paras. 13-15)

[^key-9b51889fae906e8d33c7ff85b92b7c96]: Words in s. 93(2) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Public Bodies (Abolition of the National Consumer Council and Transfer of the Office of Fair Trading’s Functions in relation to Estate Agents etc) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/631), art. 1(3), Sch. 1 para. 7(2) (with Sch. 1 para. 28, Sch. 2 paras. 13-15)

[^key-813550b39228fd7c3acb2a6891da92af]: S. 104(2)(ba) inserted (6.4.2014) by Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 (c. 15), s. 148, Sch. 13 para. 138 (with s. 89); S.I. 2014/768, art. 2(1)(b)

[^key-451305b635f2b46cafdb2e3e83eb00b7]: S. 104(3)(e) and word inserted (12.2.2015) by Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (c. 6), s. 52(5), Sch. 8 para. 3(3)

[^key-d934fe260ff3ce714029f452cf882896]: Word in s. 104(3)(c) omitted (12.2.2015) by virtue of Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (c. 6), s. 52(5), Sch. 8 para. 3(2)

[^key-871a7065ddad292b2e61eb42d644cc47]: Words in Sch. 6 para. 3(6) substituted (N.I.) (13.2.2015 for specified purposes, 1.4.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Planning Act (Northern-Ireland) 2011 (c. 25), s. 254(1)(2), Sch. 6 para. 92 (with s. 211); S.R. 2015/49, arts. 2, 3, Sch. 1 (with Sch. 2)

[^key-07dccf559ce6fa3f849e842a7de92b7f]: Sch. 6 para. 2(2A) inserted (13.7.2016) by Housing and Planning Act 2016 (c. 22), s. 216(3), Sch. 14 para. 26; S.I. 2016/733, reg. 3(h) (with reg. 6)

[^key-24d5780c4d12d613f71bc1a4dfd39f25]: Sch. 5 para. 8 substituted (3.2.2017) by Housing and Planning Act 2016 (c. 22), s. 216(3), Sch. 17 paras. 6, 7; S.I. 2017/75, reg. 3(g) (with reg. 5)

[^key-988b1f67563aafbb51e2237285c62d42]: Word in s. 104(3)(d) omitted (13.8.2020) by virtue of Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 (c. 3), s. 27(2)(d), Sch. 4 para. 25(a); S.I. 2020/792, reg. 2(i)

[^key-157ab41ec3e61c28e0c08fadbf150036]: S. 104(3)(f) and word inserted (13.8.2020) by Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 (c. 3), s. 27(2)(d), Sch. 4 para. 25(b); S.I. 2020/792, reg. 2(i)

[^key-c8e422ca544ccbce0a8e3f5306b63f21]: S. 83(2)(b) and word omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Postal and Parcel Services (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1417), regs. 1, 2(2)(a); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

[^key-38f2ad86325cee402ea65a35e72abf6b]: S. 102 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Postal and Parcel Services (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1417), regs. 1, 2(2)(b); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

[^key-25622cda111a2b214cd838c1fbed53b8]: Words in s. 125(1) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Postal and Parcel Services (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1417), regs. 1, 2(3); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

[^key-5a27413d4d794b0b5f656226f64ce775]: Sch. 8 para. 22 repealed (31.12.2020) by Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 132(b) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2019/105 (as amended by S.I. 2020/1495, regs. 1(2), 21), S.I. 2020/1545, Pt. 4 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(b) (with reg. 7)

[^key-79921ab86664f2b4610a8709f1793ff1]: Words in s. 93(2) inserted (13.1.2022) by The Consumer Scotland Act 2020 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/34), art. 1(1), Sch. para. 4(2) (with art. 5)

[^key-3396ea529d73b49d793112f282f51c53]: S. 105(1A) inserted (31.8.2023) by The Postal Packets (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/872), regs. 1(2), 2(3)

[^key-668ffe93dba9c31bbff6b5c164834f0f]: S. 105(3A) inserted (31.8.2023) by The Postal Packets (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/872), regs. 1(2), 2(5)

[^key-e3d88e15778296c874c62a8d793ed2ff]: S. 105(1) substituted (31.8.2023) by The Postal Packets (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/872), regs. 1(2), 2(2)

[^key-56d5bcf5943910eeef61c3f00683e404]: Words in s. 105(3) substituted (31.8.2023) by The Postal Packets (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/872), regs. 1(2), 2(4)

[^key-11a5c94ae7abade057984723edbd6119]: Sch. 8 para. 21 and cross-heading omitted (E.W.) (with effect in relation to financial years beginning on or after 1.4.2024) by virtue of Non Domestic Rating Act 2023 (c. 53), s. 19(2)(b), Sch. para. 15

Short title and extent.

Index of defined expressions.

Note: The repeal of section 52 of the Post Office Act 1953 (which extends only to Scotland) does not affect any liability at common law in respect of any offence described in that section.

Application of competition legislation to references etc.

Power to modify section 7 by order.

Section 105: limit on handling charges etc

Note: The repeal of section 52 of the Post Office Act 1953 (which extends only to Scotland) does not affect any liability at common law in respect of any offence described in that section.

Note: The repeal of section 52 of the Post Office Act 1953 (which extends only to Scotland) does not affect any liability at common law in respect of any offence described in that section.

Note: The repeal of section 52 of the Post Office Act 1953 (which extends only to Scotland) does not affect any liability at common law in respect of any offence described in that section.

Provisional orders.

Records of the former Postmaster General’s department.

Short title and extent.

Note: The repeal of section 52 of the Post Office Act 1953 (which extends only to Scotland) does not affect any liability at common law in respect of any offence described in that section.

Note: The repeal of section 52 of the Post Office Act 1953 (which extends only to Scotland) does not affect any liability at common law in respect of any offence described in that section.

Note: The repeal of section 52 of the Post Office Act 1953 (which extends only to Scotland) does not affect any liability at common law in respect of any offence described in that section.

Note: The repeal of section 52 of the Post Office Act 1953 (which extends only to Scotland) does not affect any liability at common law in respect of any offence described in that section.

General power to suspend the restriction.

Modification by order under other enactments.

General amendments and repeals.

The Postcode Address File.

Short title and extent.

Note: The repeal of section 52 of the Post Office Act 1953 (which extends only to Scotland) does not affect any liability at common law in respect of any offence described in that section.

Application of competition legislation to references etc.

Interpretation: Part IV.

Short title and extent.

Short title and extent.

Note: The repeal of section 52 of the Post Office Act 1953 (which extends only to Scotland) does not affect any liability at common law in respect of any offence described in that section.

39A

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tax.

Index of defined expressions.

Short title and extent.

Note: The repeal of section 52 of the Post Office Act 1953 (which extends only to Scotland) does not affect any liability at common law in respect of any offence described in that section.

Final orders.

Interpretation: Part IV.

Short title and extent.

General amendments and repeals.

Short title and extent.

Note: The repeal of section 52 of the Post Office Act 1953 (which extends only to Scotland) does not affect any liability at common law in respect of any offence described in that section.

Final orders.

Tax.

The Postcode Address File.

Index of defined expressions.

Short title and extent.

Note: The repeal of section 52 of the Post Office Act 1953 (which extends only to Scotland) does not affect any liability at common law in respect of any offence described in that section.

Information

61A

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Short title and extent.

Note: The repeal of section 52 of the Post Office Act 1953 (which extends only to Scotland) does not affect any liability at common law in respect of any offence described in that section.

Note: The repeal of section 52 of the Post Office Act 1953 (which extends only to Scotland) does not affect any liability at common law in respect of any offence described in that section.

Note: The repeal of section 52 of the Post Office Act 1953 (which extends only to Scotland) does not affect any liability at common law in respect of any offence described in that section.

The Postcode Address File.

Index of defined expressions.

Note: The repeal of section 52 of the Post Office Act 1953 (which extends only to Scotland) does not affect any liability at common law in respect of any offence described in that section.

General amendments and repeals.

Note: The repeal of section 52 of the Post Office Act 1953 (which extends only to Scotland) does not affect any liability at common law in respect of any offence described in that section.

Note: The repeal of section 52 of the Post Office Act 1953 (which extends only to Scotland) does not affect any liability at common law in respect of any offence described in that section.

Note: The repeal of section 52 of the Post Office Act 1953 (which extends only to Scotland) does not affect any liability at common law in respect of any offence described in that section.

Note: The repeal of section 52 of the Post Office Act 1953 (which extends only to Scotland) does not affect any liability at common law in respect of any offence described in that section.

Note: The repeal of section 52 of the Post Office Act 1953 (which extends only to Scotland) does not affect any liability at common law in respect of any offence described in that section.

Note: The repeal of section 52 of the Post Office Act 1953 (which extends only to Scotland) does not affect any liability at common law in respect of any offence described in that section.

Information relating to complaints handling standards

Dissolution of the Post Office.

Tax.

Interfering with the mail: postal operators.

89A

• (1) A postal operator may not make a scheme under section 89 unless—

• (a) the operator has notified OFCOM of the scheme that the operator is proposing to make, and

• (b) the operator has carried out a consultation exercise in relation to the proposed scheme in accordance with requirements contained in a notification published by OFCOM.

• (2) OFCOM may give a direction to a postal operator who has notified a scheme to them under subsection (1)(a) requiring the operator to make such modifications of the scheme as are specified in the direction.

• (3) Before giving a direction under subsection (2), OFCOM must publish a notification—

• (a) setting out the terms of the scheme that the operator proposes to make,

• (b) stating that OFCOM are proposing to give a direction under subsection (2) modifying the scheme,

• (c) setting out the effect of the proposed modification,

• (d) giving reasons for making the proposed modification, and

• (e) specifying the period within which representations may be made to them about the proposed modification.

• (4) The specified period must be at least one month beginning with the day after the day the notification under subsection (3) is published.

• (5) OFCOM may not give a direction under subsection (2) unless they have considered every representation and proposal made to them during the period specified in that notification.

• (6) If the scheme is not in force at the time at which that notification is published, the operator may not bring the scheme into force until such time as OFCOM may direct.

• (7) OFCOM must publish a notification of any direction that they make under subsection (2).

• (8) The publication of a notification under this section must be in such manner as OFCOM consider appropriate for bringing its contents to the attention of such persons as they consider appropriate.

• (9) An obligation imposed on a postal operator by a direction under subsection (2) is enforceable by OFCOM under Schedule 7 to the Postal Services Act 2011 (enforcement of regulatory requirements).

Exclusion of liability.

104A

• (1) A postal operator—

• (a) may detain any postal packet in respect of which there has been no payment, or an underpayment, for postage, and

• (b) may impose a surcharge in respect of that non-payment or underpayment.

• (2) A postal operator may detain the packet until the correct postage and any surcharge have been paid.

• (3) OFCOM may give a direction to a postal operator—

• (a) limiting the amount of any surcharge, and

• (b) limiting the length of time for which a postal packet may be detained under subsection (2) (and, if a direction is given under this paragraph, that subsection has effect subject to the direction).

• (4) Where a direction is given to an operator limiting the amount of a surcharge, subsection (2) has effect in relation to the operator (in any case where the surcharge would otherwise exceed the amount specified in the direction) as if the surcharge were equal to the amount specified in the direction.

• (5) Before giving a direction to a postal operator under this section, OFCOM must—

• (a) inform the operator that they propose to give it a direction, and

• (b) allow the operator an opportunity to make representations about the proposal.

Power to detain packets in respect of unpaid or underpaid postage

105A

• (1) OFCOM may give a direction to a postal operator—

• (a) limiting the amount of any handling charge, and

• (b) limiting the length of time for which a postal packet may be detained under section 105(4A) (and, if a direction is given under this paragraph, that subsection has effect subject to the direction).

• (2) Where a direction is given to an operator limiting the amount of a handling charge, section 105(3) to (4A) have effect in relation to the operator (in any case where the charge would otherwise exceed the amount specified in the direction) as if the charge were equal to the amount specified in the direction.

• (3) Before giving a direction to a postal operator under this section, OFCOM must—

• (a) inform the operator that they propose to give it a direction, and

• (b) allow the operator an opportunity to make representations about the proposal.

• (4) In this section “handling charge” means a charge payable to a postal operator, in respect of a postal packet, for the performance by the operator of all or any of the duties mentioned in section 105(2)(c).

Section 105: limit on handling charges etc

The Postcode Address File.

Records of the former Postmaster General’s department.

Supplementary provisions relating to the Council.

Note: The repeal of section 52 of the Post Office Act 1953 (which extends only to Scotland) does not affect any liability at common law in respect of any offence described in that section.

General amendments and repeals.

Note: The repeal of section 52 of the Post Office Act 1953 (which extends only to Scotland) does not affect any liability at common law in respect of any offence described in that section.

Note: The repeal of section 52 of the Post Office Act 1953 (which extends only to Scotland) does not affect any liability at common law in respect of any offence described in that section.

Application of customs and excise enactments to certain postal packets.

Conditions of transit of postal packets.

The Postcode Address File.

Interpretation.

General amendments and repeals.

Short title and extent.

Note: The repeal of section 52 of the Post Office Act 1953 (which extends only to Scotland) does not affect any liability at common law in respect of any offence described in that section.

Note: The repeal of section 52 of the Post Office Act 1953 (which extends only to Scotland) does not affect any liability at common law in respect of any offence described in that section.