Government Statement On Future Of Post Office Network

The National Federation of SubPostmasters today states that the time has come to focus on the future by building a viable and sustainable post office network.
Following months of uncertainty faced by subpostmasters and post office users, the NFSP welcomes today’s statement from the Government on its proposals for the network, announced by Alistair Darling, as a first step in achieving this vision.
Confirmation of plans to press ahead with a successor to the Post Office card account and to extend the Social Network Payment to 2011 signify a victory for the NFSP’s campaign, which culminated in an unprecedented petition of four million names being handed to 10 Downing Street during a lobby of Parliament last October.
However, the NFSP is disappointed that the Government has so far failed to take note of our concerns of the need for more investment in the sub post office network, and of the need for the network to be better used by Government to deliver key services and by Post Office Ltd to deliver a full range of banking and other products.
The NFSP bitterly regrets the planned closure of up to 2,500 post offices but accepts that the move, backed up by funds to compensate those forced to shut, is a necessary first step in establishing a sustainable post office network for the future in view of the level of decline in Government business in recent years.
Colin Baker, General Secretary of The National Federation of SubPostmasters, said: “Today’s announcement must be seen as an opportunity to take the first vital steps towards building a post office network that has a future, one that is viable and sustainable. It is time to look forward, not back.
“Everyone tells us that when a post office closes, the heart of the community dies. Our goal is of a network, both rural and urban, that will thrive and attract new investment, both from current subpostmasters and those considering joining the network; a goal of sustainable communities anchored by sustainable post offices. Crucial to this was establishing a recovery package with the Government, the basis of which has finally been reached today.
“Plans to introduce a successor to the Post Office card account and to extend the payment made for the social and economic service provided by the network are both crucial to the recovery package and represent a victory for the subpostmasters and their customers.
“The Government should not be reluctant or embarrassed to invest in the sub post offices. We believe that support for a network which touches the lives of 24 million people every week, including some of the most vulnerable people in society, is a good use of taxpayers’ money.
“In the meantime, we shall be keeping up the pressure on Government to stay true to its commitments and to deliver the investment and new products and services required to make sure that the new network is given the best possible chance to survive and thrive in the future.”