The Royal Mail operates a network of 38 mail centres. Each mail centre serves a large geographically defined area of the United Kingdom and together they form the backbone network of the mail distribution operation. The number of mail centres has been reducing as the service is modernised and in 2008 there were 69 mail centres. In 2013 and 2014 a further eight are planned to be closed. Mail items are delivered to homes and businesses from 1,356 delivery offices, which are supplied by the mail centres.