Postcomm proposes more consultation on postcode changes
20 December 2001
Postcomm today issued a consultation document seeking views on a draft code of practice for changes to the Postcode Address File (PAF). The PAF contains the postcodes and other details which enable Consignia staff to sort and deliver mail to every address in the UK quickly and accurately. It is also sold on as a database to the insurance and direct marketing industries and others.
From time to time Consignia makes changes to the PAF to take account of a variety of factors such as the opening of a new delivery office, the renumbering of buildings or the renaming of roads by a local authority, or because more postcodes are needed to allocate to new homes and businesses in a developing area.
The new PAF Code of Practice will set out Consignia’s consultation procedures for people affected by such changes. It also proposes a new mechanism for considering requests from communities for a change to their postal address, where the change would not have a significant effect on the efficiency of Consignia’s operations. It is intended to replace and enhance Consignia’s existing code.
The document proposes that businesses and private individuals should be consulted, more fully than they have been, before Consignia makes changes to their postal addresses, and compensated if they are not given the full notice period in advance of change.
Notes for editors
Copies of the document, Consignia Licence Condition 20: Postcode Access File (PAF) Code of Practice – Determination by Postcomm, is available from Postcomm at 6 Hercules Road London SE1 7DB. Responses are requested by 24 January 2002.
