40.—(1) For the purposes of delivering postal ballot papers, the local returning officer may use—
(a)a postal operator within the meaning of Part 3 of the Postal Services Act 2011 M1,
(b)a commercial delivery firm, or
(c)clerks appointed under rule 27 of the PCC elections rules.
(2) Where the services of a universal postal service provider or commercial delivery firm are to be used, envelopes addressed to postal voters must be counted and delivered by the local returning officer with such form of receipt to be endorsed by that provider or firm as may be arranged.
(3) Postage must be prepaid on envelopes addressed to the postal voters (except where sub-paragraph (1)(c) applies).
(4) Return postage must be prepaid on all covering envelopes where the address provided by the postal voter for the receipt of the postal ballot paper is within the United Kingdom.