Current status: Answered by Graeme Dey on 11 March 2026
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that election materials, including postal ballot papers, are delivered on time and to a high standard prior to the Scottish Parliament election on 7 May 2026, in light of reports from the Communication Workers Union that the decreasing postal service workforce in Scotland could pose a risk to these deliveries.
While Royal Mail and postal delivery services are reserved to the UK Government the Scottish Government is committed to the safe delivery of the parliamentary election on 7 May.
I have been concerned to see the recent reports from the BBC and other media outlets stating that Royal Mail are pursuing a policy of prioritising the delivery of parcels while letters remain undelivered for a much longer period of time than should be the case. This is why I have already written to Mr Alistair Cochrane, Interim CEO of the Royal Mail Group requesting a meeting to discuss with him how Royal Mail intend to ensure election materials are delivered within the required timescales. This meeting is scheduled to take place on 19 March 2026.
In addition, representatives of the Electoral Management Board for Scotland will be meeting with Royal Mail on a weekly basis from mid-March through to the election on 7 May. This has been normal practice in the run up to previous elections and provides an opportunity to deal with any issues as they arise.