Pete Egerton

10:00am - 1:00pm

Email the studio

Taylor Swift

Opalite

Listen Live Podcasts

Cutting second class deliveries would be a "slap in the face", says local MP

Wednesday, 5 February 2025 07:24

Tom Gordon has slammed plans to cut deliveries of second class post.

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has slammed proposals that would allow Royal Mail to cut the deliveries of second class post.

The plans include scrapping Saturday delivery and only delivering during the week on alternating days.

Mr Gordon said that small businesses will be “dismayed”.

Many residents in Harrogate and Knaresborough rely on postal services, from getting details of a medical appointment, staying on top of their finances or receiving correspondence from loved ones.

Tom said constituents have been in touch to complain of poor or missed deliveries by the Royal Mail, and the "massively increased costs" of second class stamps, which unlike first class, aren’t regulated.

Liberal Democrat MP Tom Gordon said:

“This is a slap in the face for all those who rely on the post. Many residents in Harrogate and Knaresborough will be disappointed about the prospect of cuts to postal services, after facing years of ever rising costs due to mismanagement by Royal Mail executives.

“That it also comes off the back of massive price hikes for second class stamps is an insult to customers. If the price is going up, people should expect an improved service, not be faced with a massive cut."

He added:

“Many small businesses in Harrogate and Knaresborough will also be dismayed by this news. They have already had to endure a crippling National Insurance hike and this would add even more pressure on them.

“We cannot let standards slip even further by lowering delivery targets instead of actually fixing our postal services. These recommendations must be urgently reconsidered.”

More from Local News

Harrogate restaurant relaunches under new management

A well-known Harrogate restaurant is reopening under new management today (Friday) with a fresh concept and menu.
Missing 11-year-old from Knaresborough found safe and well

A missing 11-year-old boy from Knaresborough has been found safe and well.
Harrogate school launches new environmental learning area

Coppice Valley Primary School has launched a new environmental learning area - a dedicated natural space designed to support pupils in learning about the environment.
Harrogate among towns most concerned about flooding, study shows

Harrogate has been named among the UK locations most concerned about flooding, according to a new study.
Council looks to buy new council houses in Ripon

North Yorkshire Council is seeking an £800,000 grant to buy ten affordable homes in two market towns.
Ripon school and cathedral launch first boarding scholarship

Ripon Grammar School and Ripon Cathedral have joined forces to launch the school's first boarding scholarship.
Storm Goretti: Yellow weather warning for snow in Harrogate

A yellow weather warning for snow has been issued for Harrogate as Storm Goretti brings colder conditions across parts of the UK.
Harrogate clinician awarded King's Ambulance Medal in New Year Honours

A highly respected clinician at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT) has been recognised for three decades of dedication to emergency care and the ambulance service.
New right-to-buy policy to be introduced by North Yorkshire Council

North Yorkshire Council is set to introduce a unified right-to-buy policy after it inherited thousands of council homes from the former district and borough councils.
80s popstar Sinitta heaps praise on Harrogate after festive trip

80s popstar Sinitta has praised Harrogate after spending Christmas and New Year in the town while performing in pantomime nearby.
Harrogate Town Council confirm precept hike in 2026/27 budget

Harrogate Town Council has confirmed an increase in its council tax precept as part of its 2026/27 budget - the first to be fully set by the town council since it was established.
Harrogate MP slams Government's "disgraceful" bid to dismantle jury trials

Local MP Tom Gordon has voted to protect the right to trial by jury, condemning Government plans to abolish it as "a disgraceful dismantling of our justice system."
Harrogate café listed for sale after just 15 months

A café on Cold Bath Road in Harrogate has been listed for sale - just 15 months after opening.
RHS Harlow Carr announces record-breaking visitor numbers

RHS Garden Harlow Carr is celebrating a major milestone this week as it welcomes its 500,000th visitor in a single year for the first time in the garden’s history.
The Traitors star urges sign-ups for Harrogate Race for Life

The Traitors star Leanne Quigley is urging people to kick start the New Year by signing up to Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life in Harrogate.
When the weather turns, turn to Your Harrogate

With snow in the forecast this week, Your Harrogate Radio is reminding listeners that it’s the place to turn when the weather starts to cause disruption across Harrogate.
Government urged to help fund rising costs of special needs education in North Yorkshire

The government has been urged to take urgent action to help North Yorkshire Council fund the rising cost of providing education to children with special needs.
Inspectors praise maternity services at Harrogate District Hospital

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust’s (HDFT) maternity service has been rated 'good overall' following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in July 2025.
Taylor Wimpey submits plans for 320 homes off Penny Pot Lane

Plans for a new residential development off Penny Pot Lane in Harrogate have been submitted to North Yorkshire Council following community consultation.
Popular Harrogate cheese shop to relocate next week

Harrogate favourite The Cheeseboard is set to relocate next week - but it won't be moving far.