Guernsey Post wants to increase its charges

Guernsey politician Deputy Mary Lowe is now attacking the company in the wake of criticism from businesses and consumers.

She says the level of service it offers does not merit such increases.

Deputy Lowe says she is very disappointed by Guernsey Post's decision and said she has been flooded with phone calls from angry members of the public.

Protecting businesses

The firm wants to raise the cost of sending a letter within the Bailiwick by six pence and to increase the cost of parcels by 40 pence.

Deputy Lowe says she does not accept the argument the increases are due to changes being made by Royal Mail.

She said: "We are Guernsey, we have our own government and our own island, and we should be protecting businesses and individuals in this island.

"People must realise that it is different over here, because we are a small community and we have to protect it."

She says she also wants to know why some islanders are still complaining that their postcodes are being altered without their prior knowledge or consent.

The Office of Utility Regulation (OUR) said it was important postal charges remain as low as possible while allowing Guernsey Post a reasonable profit.

The OUR said a number of issues will be taken into account before a decision is made to allow the increases.