Memorandum submitted by Pinchbeck W.I.
Question 1: What services should the Post
Office network offer?
(a) From Government
It is important the Government recognises the
important social value of Post Offices by giving preference to
the network in the distribution of Government services.
We would like the Government to stop removing
services from Rural Post Offices thus reducing their revenue,
and look at more efficient ways to carry out their business through
Post Offices by using modern technology.
It is important the Government actively encourages
Local Authorities to make their services accessible through Rural
Post Offices. They should also look at the provision of Business
and Personal Banking for all Banks through Rural Post Offices.
(b) From Local Authorities.
We feel Local Authorities should be encouraged
to utilise the Post Office network for payment services.
(c) Other Sources.
Competitive and extensive cover for UK, European
and Worldwide Single or Multi Trip Travel Insurance.
Commission free purchase and buy back foreign
currency and American Express Travellers Cheques.
(d) To what extent would these measures
increase the network's commercial viability?
These measures would help to increase Sub-Postmasters
income, which has fallen considerably.
Question 2: How much account should be taken
of
(a) Costs to the taxpayer in providing
services through the Post Office rather than through cheaper channels?
In Rural areas the public would most probably
be prepared to consider a reasonable tax increase if it meant
keeping their Post Office open.
(b) Consumer preference for alternative
channels?
There are no doubt some consumers who welcome
alternative channels, but should this deny others the right to
continue using the excellent personal service they have received
for many years, and come to rely on..
The economic and social importance of Post Offices
has been well documented, particularly in rural and deprived urban
areas.
Question 3: To what extent would a desire
for the presence of a Post Office or Post Office Services translate
into actual use of those services?
We have been very fortunate to have always been
able to avail ourselves of these services in Pinchbeck, and long
may we continue to do so.
Question 4: What are the impacts of the availability
of Post Office facilities for businesses, and local residents;
and in particular how significant is the network in aiding social
and financial inclusion.
Research by Postwatch and the London Assembly
demonstrated the inconvenience caused to many local businesses
in both rural and urban areas where Post Offices had recently
closed. Local businesses can keep down the cost of petrol and
lost work time in travelling to the Post Office to post letters
and parcels if their local Post Office is close to hand. Most
affected are those who are already vulnerable to social and financial
exclusion, such as older and disabled people or those on low incomes.
They will often find it difficult to access a Post Office which
is further away because of the cost of transport and difficulty
in physically reaching the service. Sub-Postmasters play an invaluable
role in communities by providing support for vulnerable residents,
and frequently interpret official letters and forms, in addition
to offering emotional support.
Question 5: What level of subsidy, if any,
per Post Office would be reasonable in the long run?
The level of subsidy would be determined by
how much extra income the Government is able to generate for Sub-Post
Offices by recognising the importance of giving preference to
the network in the distribution of its services, and ending its
habit of peeling away from Post Offices the services which help
provide them with a reasonable income.
We look forward to learning the outcome of the
Business and Enterprise Committee's new inquiry.
March 2009
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