Answer

Surprisingly, in a time of great change and "consultation", research is not easy to come by, especially on the crucial element of cost effectiveness. I have attached as PDFs to this message the research I have found so far. Others are invited to add links and information in the Add to the Message box.

There is the Rural Pilot Report from last year, prepared for Postwatch: Steer Davies Gleave, 28-32 Upper Ground, London, SE1 9PD

+44 (0)20 7919 8500

Also there, there Report on Alternative Postal Provision by IPSOS MORI that you may already know about (also attached).

If detailed financial information becomes available, we will post it.

Further to the above, I have received an email from Postwatch concerning your enquiry (22/5/08):

I can confirm that Postwatch have conducted research into this particular area. This research focused on the customer experience and their satisfaction with the pilotoutreaches, and it enabled us to make the determination that the outreach services offered a robust service for customers.

A copy of this research is available on our website; you can access it via the following link: 

http://www.postwatch.co.uk/images/stories/pdfs/Research/2007/9.2.07Rural_pilot%20_eport.pdf

I hope this is useful. If you have any further queries regarding this please do not hesitate to contact us again.

Yours sincerely

Bronagh O'Neill

Network Project Team Analyst