Bring back free post for the blind - Huhne

10.55.12am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 4th Aug 2005

Bring back free post for the blind - Huhne

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne has called on Royal Mail boss Adam Crozier to stop a surcharge on deliveries sent to visually impaired members of the community, who traditionally benefit from free mail as a special concession.

Due to a re-interpretation of Royal Mail guidelines, packets sent to visually impaired people in Eastleigh and across the county by the Hampshire Association for the Care of the Blind (HACB) have been subjected to surcharges that call into question the whole free post scheme.

Commenting on the development, Mr Huhne said: "The Hampshire Association for the Care of the Blind (HACB) are rightly upset that they are now liable for a surcharge on packets they send to their members containing large print newsletters.

"In the county, HCAB have around 4000 members - about two thirds of the county's blind - who rely on the various items HCAB send to help them stay involved with the community. A voluntary organisation such as HCAB simply can't afford an extra £650 each time they put together parcels for their members."

Emphasising the seriousness of the problem Mr Huhne added. "The loss of the concession on items for the blind posses a serious threat to the service HCAB provide. I have written this week to Adam Crozier, the chief executive of Royal Mail, asking him to keep to the spirit of the concession.

"Royal Mail guidelines currently prevent certain printed items from being posted to HCAB members without charge. Members of this organisation range from those with no sight at all to those who have some albeit impaired vision. Clearly, the needs of their members differ depending on their circumstances, and it is unfair that some items should be deemed unsuitable.

"We should all be aware that the items HCAB post are vital in allowing their members to be actively involved in the community. The service provided by HCAB benefits Eastleigh as a whole not only the visually impaired.

"I have asked Royal Mail to alter their guidelines so that HCAB members in Eastleigh will continue to benefit from this service.

"Royal Mail are currently in the process of reviewing their rules, and I hope that they do not try to make mean-spirited cuts in this service".