The Postcode Address File is the list of the postal addresses of all 27m million households throughout the UK, which is maintained by Royal Mail.
The review document, which reflects the initial views of consumer watchdog Postwatch and Royal Mail, notes that the code appears to have worked well during its first year of operation, but seeks views on whether arrangements for changes to the PAF need to be altered, or made more flexible.
At present customer-initiated changes require a ballot of those affected. The present code calls for a minimum turnout of 50% of those eligible to vote, and a majority of those voting in favour, in order to make the change. The document asks whether this change mechanism, including these vote thresholds, should continue as it is, or be changed.
During the first year of the PAF Code of Practice, six localities balloted on changes to their postal address to add an extra line reflecting the name of their town or village. All returned a yes vote and the average response rate was more than 70%.
The code does not deal with more controversial issues, such as the possibility of changing addresses, which refer to postal towns, for example, across a national border. These issues will form part of a wider review of the future of the PAF planned for later this year.
The consultation document is available at .
Responses are requested by September 10. Printed copies are available from Postcomm at 6 Hercules Road, London SE1 7DB.
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