Sounds like you all have it rough in the UK. I wonder if UPS' acquisition of TNT will change any of this.
For me personally, this problem is solved as I can leave packages on my door (or have them left there) all day without issue. I also have a UPS store and Fedex Kinkos within 1.5 miles and 2 miles, respectively. I'm not sure if I have ever heard of anyone having packages picked up for personal (rather than) business purposes.
If you have a PO Box, the USPS will also take package deliveries. You have to sign up for the service and use the address of the Post Office and they will leave a notice in your box when the package gets there.
It's a way to get deliveries from companies that won't ship to PO boxes. My local PO told me about it a few months ago, but I haven't had the need to use it.
For me personally, this problem is solved as I can leave packages on my door (or have them left there) all day without issue. I also have a UPS store and Fedex Kinkos within 1.5 miles and 2 miles, respectively. I'm not sure if I have ever heard of anyone having packages picked up for personal (rather than) business purposes.