MPs critical of Royal Mail postcode database sell-off
MPs have rebuked government ministers over their decision to include a lucrative postcode database in the recent flotation of the Royal Mail, arguing that it was a national asset that should not have been privatised.
The Postcode Address File (PAF) contains all 1.8m UK postal addresses and is particularly important for marketing and mail-out businesses.
Amassed at great expense the database was described as offering ‘huge direct value’ to the economy amidst fears small businesses and others may now find their access is restricted.
Bernard Jenkin, chair of the Public Administration Committee, said: “The sale of the PAF with the Royal Mail was a mistake. Public access to public sector data must never be sold or given away again."
In a written response the Royal Mail said: “Royal Mail recognises the importance that PAF plays as a vital dataset supporting and sustaining key parts of the UK economy and we are committed to its widespread availability at a fair price,”