- For new building developments such as housing estates or business parks in an already densely populated area where there are no free Postcodes left for us to allocate.
- For demolished buildings
Latest Postcode Updates
The latest Postcode Update (No 55) summarises changes from March 2012 to September 2012. There was limited activity: 2 new PO Box sectors and 4 minor locality changes and corrections.
There are 3 files for PU55, click on the links below to download them.
There are no major recodes planned for the next Postcode Update, No. 56, in 6 months’ time.
Historic Postcode Updates
- Postcode Update 54 summarises changes made between September 2011 & March 2012, with no major Postcode and address changes.
- Postcode Update 53 summarises changes made between March 2011 & September 2011, with no major Postcode and address changes.
- Postcode Updates – historical information – Major address changes implemented since 2000
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Royal Mail make changes to Postcodes?
Whenever possible we try to avoid making changes to existing postcodes. However, sometimes changes are necessary, for large scale developments such as the Olympic Park, or for demolished buildings. Due to the geographical nature of the Postcode system we then consider the wider area and allocate new Postcode sectors and Postcodes.
Where are details of other address changes held?
They are all held within the Postcode Address File (PAF®). PAF® is our database of nearly 29 million UK addresses and 1.8 million Postcodes. We update approximately 5,000 address details and business names held within PAF® on a daily basis.
Where can I find more information about Postcode and address changes?
For more information about why we change Postcodes and addresses, and what to do if you want to change part of your address please see our PAF® Code of Practice. Please contact us if you require a Welsh or large print version.
Find out more about our products
If you’d like to read more about our addressing products and see sample of all our raw datasets then you will need to request our First Steps CD.
To receive your free First Steps CD complete our form
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