Royal Mail will introduce the new delivery model nationwide by December, following a review of its Universal Service Obligation (USO) by communications regulator Ofcom.

A Royal Mail spokesman said: “Royal Mail plays a vital role in connecting the nation through its one-price-goes-anywhere service.

“For many years, the Universal Service Obligation has required us to collect and deliver letters to every UK address six days a week.

“Following an extensive consultation process involving many stakeholders, Ofcom announced reforms to the Universal Service in July 2025.

“Letters remain an important means of keeping us connected but fewer are being sent these days.

“These changes to the Universal Service will help us deliver a more reliable and sustainable service for you in the future.”

Under the revised USO, second-class and non-priority letters will be delivered on alternate weekdays, Monday to Friday, with a new target of delivery within three weekdays.

Royal Mail has started distributing leaflets to households explaining the changes, which are expected to apply to all 1,200 delivery units by the end of the year.

First-class mail will continue to be delivered six days a week, Monday through Saturday.

Regulatory targets have also been lowered.

Royal Mail will now aim to deliver 90 percent of first-class letters the next day, down from 93 percent previously.

For second-class mail, the target drops to 95 percent delivered within three days, down from 98.5 percent.

Ofcom’s July 2025 report described the changes as essential, stating that “urgent reform is needed for the universal service to survive.”

The regulator noted that since the introduction of the six-day delivery obligation in 2011, annual letter volumes have more than halved, making the service increasingly costly to maintain.

Royal Mail has seen revenue from letters drop from £6.9 billion in 2008 to £3.7 billion.

The company estimates the new delivery model could save between £250 million and £425 million per year.

Natalie Black, Ofcom’s group director for networks and communications, said: “These changes are in the best interests of consumers and businesses, as urgent reform of the postal service is necessary to give it the best chance of survival.

“But changing Royal Mail’s obligations alone won’t guarantee a better service and the company now has to play its part and implement this effectively.

“We’ll be making sure Royal Mail is clear with its customers about what’s happening, and passes the benefits of these changes on to them.”

Ofcom has also launched a review into the affordability of stamp prices and plans to hold a public consultation next year.

Blenheim Palace launches new education programme for international students

Blenheim Palace has launched an all-new educational programme to bring English language and culture to the inbound student market through a series of self-led and guided programmes. International students are offered exciting opportunities to explore the historic Palace through storytelling and interactive workshops that offer a hands-on learning experience.

The Oxfordshire UNESCO World Heritage Site is steeped in a rich 300-year history, providing the perfect setting to explore British culture and improve English language skills in a real-life context.

The programme offers a unique chance for international students to explore the Estate setting as a facility for outdoor learning including; the Formal Gardens, working Kitchen Garden, Marlborough Maze, and the Rowse Honey Hive. The immersive environment gives students the chance to get exclusive behind the scenes access to the Estate and the ability to practice English in a supported environment with knowledgeable guides.

Tours and workshops are available to provide an insight into the rich history of the Estate.

The ‘English Language & British History’ workshop is 45 minutes in duration, and centres on British History, British Aristocracy, the British Royal Family, European Royal Families and British Food. The ‘Winston Churchill at Blenheim Palace & WWII in Britain’ workshop takes place in the infamous MI5 room where Sir Winston Churchill himself worked during the Second World War. During these workshops, students will get the chance to explore some of Churchill’s interests, jobs, his links to Blenheim Palace, war speeches and Britain on the Home Front during WWII.

The programme also offers students access to exclusive private tours, including:

• English Vocabulary Tour: A 45 minute guided tour offered with the ‘English Language & British History Workshop’ around the opulent State Rooms with the chance to learn some common English words and British phrases and expressions.
• Winston Churchill & WWII at Blenheim Palace Tour: A 45 minute guided tour included in the ‘Winston Churchill at Blenheim Palace & WWII in Britain’ which focuses on the connection between Winston Churchill, the Spencer-Churchill family and WWII at Blenheim Palace.

Students can take a well earned break from a jam packed day of learning, with catering options that can be provided to suit all preferences. Options include a choice of hot meals and traditional English sandwiches.

To suit all education needs, packages are available for staff-led exploration with a member of the Blenheim Education Team or self-led discovery with the group’s teachers leading their own sessions.

Option 1 – ‘Discover at Your Own Pace’ includes a self-led visit supported by specially  designed resources

Option 2 – ‘Guided Learning Experience’ is a staff-led package, supported by an expert led team for a workshop and guided tour

Option 3 – ‘Comprehensive Experience’ with all benefits of the ‘Guided Learning Experience’ and an added packed lunch

Option 4 – ‘Immersive Experience’ offers a full chance to get involved with a workshop, Guided Learning Experience and hot catering, for a full enriched day of learning

The Blenheim Palace Group Partnerships team are on hand to help with all bookings and pricing agreements. To make visits more enjoyable and efficient, it operates a cashless system in all areas across the site. This includes, but is not limited to, ticket desks, The Palace Shop and catering outlets.

For more information on booking, contact the Partnerships team via partnerships@blenheimpalace.com. To find out more about the education programme, contact education@blenheimpalace.com

For more information and to book tickets, visit https://blenheimpalace.com/.

Oxfordshire County Council has come under fire for vetoing a devolution deal for the Thames Valley, which Oxford City Council says could have delivered billions of pounds in investment to the region.

The proposed Strategic Authority would have brought together councils across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Swindon, unlocking greater funding and devolved powers, including devolved powers over transport and adult skills.

Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council, said: “People across the region are crying out for change – for secure jobs, affordable homes and better public transport – and this deal would have been an important step in helping to achieve that.”

The authority would have been the first stage toward establishing a directly elected Mayor for the Thames Valley, similar to recent devolution models in London, Greater Manchester and the West Midlands.

The plan was supported by the Government, with the devolution minister writing to councils across the region on June 16 to endorse the proposal.

However, the following day, the new leader of Oxfordshire County Council blocked the scheme during a meeting intended to finalise the joint submission.

The Government cannot impose a Strategic Authority on a region.

The proposed Thames Valley authority would have covered a population of nearly two million and linked major economic and innovation hubs along the M4 and M40 corridors.

Earlier submissions to government argued that a unified governance structure could unlock billions in additional economic growth by 2040.

Paul Britton, CEO of the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce, told the Reading Chronicle that the collapse of the plan risked the Thames Valley ‘being left behind’.

He said: “The business community will be expecting civic leaders to get back around the table to iron this out and with urgency.”

Ms Brown expressed her disappointment in the outcome.

She said: “I am very disappointed in Oxfordshire County Council’s decision.

“I want to acknowledge and thank the many organisations and leaders – across both the public and private sectors – who contributed their time, expertise and support to develop this proposal and to reassure them that Oxford City Council will continue to work towards achieving devolution of powers and finances to our local area.

“We remain fully committed to working with partners across the Thames Valley to secure the best possible outcomes for our city and the region.

“With changes in national leadership and local government in Oxfordshire, we hope we can revisit the conversation again soon.”

The city council’s cabinet is set to discuss the decision and its implications for Oxford’s economy at a meeting on July 8.