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{{Short description|Database of addresses in the United Kingdom}}
{{EngvarB|date=September 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2017}}
{{distinguish|ZIP (file format)}}
The '''Postcode Address File''' ('''PAF''') is a database that contains all known
==Usage==
The "delivery points" held on the PAF are routing instructions used by Royal Mail staff to sort and deliver mail quickly and accurately. Elements of the address, including the post town and postcode, are occasionally subject to change, reflecting the operational structure of the postal delivery system. Each address is therefore not necessarily a geographically accurate description of where a property is located.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.postcomm.gov.uk/policy-and-consultations/consultations/postcode-address-file--changing-postal-addresses/PAFCodeofPracticeReviewFinalDoc.pdf |title=Ofcom | Postal Services |publisher=Government of the United Kingdom |
==File structure==
Royal Mail's Programmers Guide<ref name=pg7v6>{{cite web|url=https://www.poweredbypaf.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Latest-Programmers_guide_Edition-7-Version-6.pdf|title=Programmers Guide – Technical specifications for users of PAF® and associated raw data products, Edition 7, Version 6|date=2013|publisher=[[Royal Mail]]|access-date=2022-08-30}}</ref> lists the following address elements of PAF and their respective maximum field lengths:
{|class="wikitable"
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| Dependent Thoroughfare Descriptor || || 20
|-
| Thoroughfare Name || Street<ref name="alliescomputing1">{{cite web|url=https://www.alliescomputing.com/support/how-to-address-uk-mail-correctly |title=How to address your UK mail correctly |publisher=alliescomputing.com |
|-
| Thoroughfare Descriptor || || 20
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Some versions of the PAF also contain the '' 'Delivery Point Suffix (DPS)' '' used in [[RM4SCC|CBC (Customer Bar Code)]]. Alternatively the DPS can be found using Royal Mail's '' 'Postcode Information File (PIF)'
==Licensing==
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Royal Mail provide licensing advice on their website.
==Public
Public sector organisations can now use PAF under the public sector licence use terms. The current public sector licence was renewed in April 2023 and runs until 31 March 2028.<ref>[https://www.gov.uk/government/news/public-sector-access-to-royal-mail-postcode-address-file-agreed-to-2028 Public sector access to Royal Mail Postcode Address File agreed to 2028], Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and Geospatial Commission, published 20 April 2023, accessed 16 August 2023.</ref>
Royal Mail has worked along with the Department of Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) & the Scottish Government to develop the Public Sector Licence. The Public Sector Licence is being centrally paid for by these organisations so individual public sector organisations will no longer need to return PAF licence fees to Royal Mail.▼
The 2023-2028 public sector licence covers England, Wales and Scotland, and was procured centrally by the Geospatial Commission so that usage is free at the point of use for delivery of vital public services by the UK government, devolved administrations, local authorities, emergency services, health services, and search and rescue organisations. The contract now also incorporates Royal Mail Not Yet Built and Multiple Residence data.
The eligible public sector organisations will be able to use PAF within their organisation and on their website for non-commercial purposes. In addition, licensed public sector organisations will be able to share data with other licensed organisations and work collaboratively on data-led projects. The following types of Organisations will be eligible:▼
▲
▲
==Alias data==
The
The
*The
*The
*The
*The
Royal Mail, in their guide to the data products<ref>[ftp://ftp.royalmail.com/Downloads/public/ctf/rm/PAF_Digest_Dec_03.pdf PAF Digest]{{dead link|date=
==Errors==
Royal Mail acknowledges that the PAF contains errors, and publishes forms for submitting error reports. A very small number of addresses are not listed correctly, and others (especially new developments) may not be listed at all for a
==Costs and public availability==
Between 2004 and 2006 a consultation was taken about the future management of the PAF. The proposal to release it for use at low or no cost was rejected, and the business model where it was used to raise money from profitable corporations was retained.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.psc.gov.uk/policy-and-consultations/consultations/postcode-address-file--management-of-information.html|title=Postcode Address File – review of the management of PAF|author=PostComm|access-date=5 October 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081120062729/http://www.psc.gov.uk/policy-and-consultations/consultations/postcode-address-file--management-of-information.html|archive-date=20 November 2008|
The accounts for the PAF for 2005/6 disclosed an income of £18million, 8.6% of which was profit.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.psc.gov.uk/postcomm/live/policy-and-consultations/consultations/postcode-address-file--management-of-information/PAF_decision_doc.pdf|title=Royal Mail's Future management of PAF|date=April 2007|access-date=5 October 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/
Following a
==See also==
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==External links==
*[http://www.poweredbypaf.com PAF from Royal Mail]
{{UK postal system}}
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