Those numbers may be high, but whatever the loss, it's a juicy target for the states, almost all of which now face budget crises.

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As the most visible face of the mail service, the postie has become a target for much of the public's resentment over late birthday cards, missing wedding invites and overdue credit card statements.

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And there will continue to be financial consequences for trusts who do not meet the target, Sir Bruce Keogh told BBC Radio 4's Face the Facts.

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